AC flipping its breaker

[Jacy_65248]

I own a 2018 Montana high country 375. We are currently in Las Vegas, and during the heat of the day, between 3 and 5pm, the front AC keeps flipping its breaker. After 5pm it will stay on until 3pm roughly the next day. It's usually on days above 100 degrees. My first thought is maybe the breaker itself. The AC performs great while it's on. Looking for any input. Thanks in advance

 

[Rene T]

This is only a guess. Do you have a surge protector?  If you do, does it show how much voltage there is at the pedistal?  Check the voltage at noontime then check it at 3:00 PM. I'm wondering if all the other campers are also running their air conditioners and the CG/Power Company is unable to provide the correct amount of electricity and your front AC has to strain in order to start and it's trips the breaker. I could be out in left field on this one.

Oh, welcome to the forum.

 

[solarman]

I own a 2018 Montana high country 375. We are currently in Las Vegas, and during the heat of the day, between 3 and 5pm, the front AC keeps flipping its breaker. After 5pm it will stay on until 3pm roughly the next day. It's usually on days above 100 degrees. My first thought is maybe the breaker itself. The AC performs great while it's on. Looking for any input. Thanks in advance

i see three possibilities.

1. the breaker is a little weak and the increased current draw when hot is just enough to activate it.
2. voltage is a little low causing more current draw exacerbating 1 above..
3. the run capacitor is suspect, a/c units will draw more power when the run cap is failing.

 

[John From Detroit]

If the condenser coils are clogged with debris (And they do get that way) then as the unit PUMPS heat out of the inside the temperature in the refrigerante system goes up and up since the condenser can't get rid of the heat fast enough.  as the internal temps go up the pressure increases. the pump has to work harder and harder to pump the refrigerant and POP goes the breaker.

I just cleaned mine.  Again.

While you are at it clean the INSIDE filters as well.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Those symptoms almost surely mean that power in the RV park is suffering a "brownout", i.e. the line voltage is dropping (which forces the amperage thru the a/c to go up).

3pm-5pm is typically the hottest part of the day and when every RV in the park is running its a/c full blast.  Mediocre wiring and/or an inadequate power source cannot keep up with demand and the voltage begins to drop. Down around 100-106 the breakers begin to pop, which is a good thing because the a/c compressor is going to get damaged if it does not.

 

[lynnmor]

An autoformer can help if you are experiencing low voltage, I carry one and have used it multiple times.

 

[Jacy_65248]

Those symptoms almost surely mean that power in the RV park is suffering a "brownout", i.e. the line voltage is dropping (which forces the amperage thru the a/c to go up).

3pm-5pm is typically the hottest part of the day and when every RV in the park is running its a/c full blast.  Mediocre wiring and/or an inadequate power source cannot keep up with demand and the voltage begins to drop. Down around 100-106 the breakers begin to pop, which is a good thing because the a/c compressor is going to get damaged if it does not.

I have talked to most of my neighbors, and they are not having this issue, would that just make me the unlucky one, or would you lean a different direction knowing that they are not having the same problem?

 

[Jacy_65248]

Also, thank you for everyone's input, I will update as I work on it.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

It's entirely possible that your site is on a power loop that is affected, while theirs is not.  The combination of the repetitive timing and temperatures is too much coincidence to be much of anything else.  If you don't have a power line monitor (Progressive Industries, Surge guard), get yourself a simple plug-in voltmeter so you can check the line voltage in the afternoon. Or plug the test probes of a VOM into any 120v outlet in the coach.

https://www.amazon.com/UCTRONICS-80-300V-Digital-Voltmeter-Directly/dp/B06W9KMSVH

 

[John From Detroit]

I have had that problem several times.. Every time I go up on the roof and inspect the condenser and clean it. problem clears

Coleman. YOu can inspect with a phillips head screwdriver in your pocket.. You only take it out if the coils need cleaning.  (4 screws remove cover peal the "Crud blanket" off and replace cover and screws. at least on mine)

Most others you need to reove the cover (several screws) remove and inner cover (may be easy.. Or not) Then you can see the thing. I also have to pull the fan to get in and clean. you may or may not.  Copmressed air helps.. Water may but air works better

Be Careful shooting air in to shoot strait so you don't bend the fins.

WHY.. As heat builds in the system the condenser is supposed to shed same into the outside air (It is after all a one-way heat pump) but if it can't shed the heat the pressure in teh system goes up

THe compressor works harder and thus draws more current

CLICK goes the breaker.

My Advent air has a Coleman fan so it's really fussy since the sucker fan it seems is not as good at cooling the condenser as a pusher fan... But that's what others tell me.. Makes it easier to clean since removal of hte inner cover is not easy on the advent.