AC Breaker problems

[JoeKan]

We're in hot St. Lois and the ac circuit breaker keeps tripping on our Zinger ZT320QB. It's a 20 amp breaker and I'm set up with a 50 amp service from the rv park. Is my breaker bad? Or should I replace the 20 amp with a 30 amp?
Thanks,
Joe

[TrainSafe]

is this the breaker on the pedestal or in your camper?

[JoeKan]

In camper

[TrainSafe]

It could be a faulty breaker. It could also be an indication of wiring damage or overload. A pinched wire in a wall or junction box could trip the breaker.

I would recommend having an electrician use a clamp-on amperage meter to determine if an overload exists.

[JoeKan]

I don't think that is the problem as we have been staying in the camper all week. I think if there was a pinched wire problem we would have discovered it by now. I've got the ac back on, so far so good, it's been about 10 minutes and no tripping. I think it may just be the awful heat.

[TrainSafe]

If heat is a problem, your breaker will trip more easily. They rely on heat (usualky generated by high electrical current) to bend a bi-metal link.

Try leaving it off for 15 minutes to cool, the increase air circulation on the breaker to help keep it cool.

[Dayle1]

If the AC breaker is next to the main breaker, then the high current thru both tends to heat them to the point the 20 amp breaker will trip at a slightly lower load. Many with this problem move the AC breaker to a different slot, maybe to the bottom of the panel with an open slot next to it.

[JoeKan]

Thank you everyone for the great advice. I appreciate all your help. I think everything is fine now.

[greyeagle]

X2 on what Dayle1 stated.
This is and has been an issue,on certain modelsfor the last ten years.
Don't try to overboost the size of breakers, to do so is asking for serious trouble or fire hazard.

We've experienced the exact problem in our CF28CK. I've changed all of the 30a and 20a breakers at least twice, reworked the postions of the breakers and about everything else you can think of.

About the only thing that I've found that works is a small auto type AC fan that will produce about 500/800 cfm of air, directly in front of the electrical control panel.
My suggestion is use the AC very sparely in the day and try to leave the overhead vents open, weather permitting. High or very high humidity will cause the AC of work much harder.

When the AC 20abreaker pops, leave it alone until it cools down. It's doing exactly what it's supposed to do with excessive heat build up.
Depending on how your breakers are positioned in the elec control box, you may be able to move the AC 20a breaker away from the main 30a breaker. Some of the guys have done this sucessfully.
Another option is to check and see if you have an empty CB slot, if so you can seperate the 30a and 20a AC breaker. If your electrical control panel is only a three lug panel, then it's not likely that you'll have room to move the breakers around.

[Rockdad]

Whether in an RV or a house never up-size a breaker or fuse larger than the amperage load (AC in this case) or the circuit wire size. Its just asking for electrical damage and/or electrical fire. ~I just dont play AC man on TV I am one

[Hamops]

Here's what I did to solve that problem.

[cowboy_71]

Great advise from Dayle1 and Hamops...had the same problem recently...took their advise, problem solved...thanks guys!...