I have been having problems with my 40 amp breaker tripping on my 5 ton unit. It is a basic 40 amp breaker. I have had it looked at and was told that I need to put a 50 amp breaker that is rated as a HACR breaker. He also said that a 40 amp HACR breaker would possibility do. When a test was ran it showed that the lock loader amps were pulling 33 amps to start the compressor, which is pulling almost all the amps on the basic 40 amp breaker. I was told that it was having to work to hard.

Does this sound like a solution?

Fr_Chuck

I am putting an answer, so it will be brought back up to the top of the question lists.

Putting in a 50 amp breaker sounds like something I would do, but properly, one needs to look at what the unit is rated and if it is drawing alot more than listed, one needs to have the unit checked to see if there is something from with the motor or compressor causing this.

The only thing I may question is the size of the wiring, to be sure they are listed for 50 amps. If the people telling you this are licensed to do electrical work, I would guess they checked, but I would ask to be surer.

acetc

I agree with Fr_Chuck, look on the name tag on the A/C and it will tell you what the max. size breaker or fuse can be , then make sure the wiring is capable of carrying the amps draw of the larger breaker and also make sure the fuses are the same size as the breaker.
I believe a 50 amp breaker is fine for a 5ton unit.

wmproop

you all are right,,,,,,,,,is very,very important that the wire is heave enough to carry 50 amps of power,,,,,,,,,,,is this is correct you still could have a weak breaker that can`t handle the heat

letmetellu

Instead of putting in larger amp fuses you need to find the cause of the fuses blowing, it could be something as simple as turning your thermostat up and down too fast, or burned points on the contactor. If you don't have the knowledge or the tools to check all of the things that have been suggested I recommend you call a service man.