Heat Pumps and Electric Heating - Rheem 5 ton - Outside breaker pops

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LaddB
02-11-07, 03:55 PM
My Rheem has worked well for 15 years. This winter we had some power outages--I just read that system should be allowed to re-warm after outage before being fired up--which I've never done.

Bottom Line: The breaker for the outside unit is popping off on my attempts to re-start. My first impulse is to get a new breaker and try again, but I don't want to do any (more?) damage. Any suggestions, advice?

Thanks, Ladd
Kingston, WA

GregH
02-11-07, 05:12 PM
When an a/c is started after being idle for a long stretch, especially in a cold climate units that have crankcase heaters should be energized for 24 hrs to allow the compressor to warm up.

It is hard to say if your unit has a crankcase heater and if this is why your unit is tripping the breaker.
The only thing you could do without digging into the wiring is turn the unit off at the thermostat and then turn on the breaker. Leave the unit powered up for a full day and then try it.
If this doesn't help you would then need to use a multi meter and clamp on ammeter to properly diagnose the problem.
You may be better off calling a qualified a/c tech to check this out for you.