Coleman Overcurrent / Short Circuit

Coleman air conditioner trips the breaker immediately or shortly after starting.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Shorted compressor windings, Shorted condenser fan motor, Shorted wiring in condenser, Incorrect breaker size or type

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Repeated breaker tripping indicates a serious fault. Turn OFF the breaker and do not reset repeatedly.

  • Visual inspection: With power OFF, open the condenser panel and inspect for burnt wires, melted insulation, or signs of arcing.
  • Isolate components: A technician can disconnect the compressor and fan motor leads and test each component’s resistance to ground to identify shorts.
  • Check breaker rating: Verify the breaker size matches the Coleman unit’s MOCP rating on the nameplate.
  • Replace failed components: Replace any shorted motors or compressors with OEM or approved equivalents.

Warning: This level of diagnosis typically requires a professional with appropriate test equipment.

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Repair Difficulty

Professional Required 5/5

Required Part

Compressor
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