2003 342 a/c kicks off and trips breaker

joannwinters

Our a/c will occassionally totally turn its self off and sometimes come back on and other times totally trip the breaker.  If it doesn't come back on or trip break we can switch from shore power to genny power then back to shore and turn the air back on and it works fine.  Lately, if we try that both the house and ac breakers trip.  We think we need to replace the shore power ac curcuit breaker.  Does anyone have an electrical manual or know what that breaker is?  

Black_Diamond

If it is tripping, more likely due to over amp draw: ie the AC unit itself is in trouble. 

The breaker is a 20 (if I remember right) Blue Seas. 

Liberty44140

Now that I am thinking about it, One of my dock mates had this issue, breaker kept going, he had to replace the capacitor on his ac unit and then he was just fine. In his case the breaker blew immediately when he would turn it on. I don't know if it slowly got worse or all of the sudden started throwing the breaker. Replacing the capacitor should be easier than replacing the panel breaker.

jme097

Compressor is probably starting to seize up internally

joannwinters

So try replacing the capacitor first - is this the same thing as the compressor?  Forgive me for being stupid.

Handymans342

No its a small cylindrical thing or oval. Usually black or silver

Handymans342

You can get them online.

joannwinters

Thanks! I am also going to try a different cord. 

Handymans342

A capacitor gives a boost to help the compressor  

joannwinters

We figured out the problem.  The plug ins on outside of boat for AC and house - one was fried the other had a very loose connection.  Replacing both.  Thanks!

Black_Diamond

Replace those shore power cords too. 

Michael T

Good suggestion@BD....worn-out shore power cords that do not deliver full power are bad for all electronics (amps etc.) but are heII on compressors and motors - think fridges, icemakers, winches.