Rheem
Overcurrent or Electrical Short in Furnace
Furnace frequently trips the household circuit breaker
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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 blower motor, Shorted inducer motor, Pinched high-voltage wire, Faulty control board
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
High-voltage safety: Repeated breaker tripping indicates a serious electrical problem. Turn off the breaker and do not repeatedly reset it without inspection.
- Visual inspection: With power off, inspect wiring for melted insulation, pinched wires against sharp metal, or signs of arcing.
- Isolate components: Disconnect blower motor leads and try powering the furnace. If the breaker no longer trips, the blower motor is likely shorted. Repeat for inducer motor if needed.
- Check cord and disconnect: Inspect any external disconnects or cords for damage.
- Professional repair: Replace any shorted motors or boards with OEM Rheem parts. If you are not experienced with electrical diagnostics, contact a technician.
Do not upsize the breaker; this is dangerous and violates electrical codes.
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Repair Difficulty
Professional Required
5/5
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