# Why does my air conditioner keep tripping the breaker? 1. [Home](https://arlite.co/) 2. [Support](https://arlite.co/support/) 3. [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) 4. Why does my air conditioner keep tripping the breaker? **Browse support** [Support home](https://arlite.co/support/) [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) - [How does a solar power system work in a Brisbane home?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/how-does-a-solar-power-system-work-in-a-brisbane-home/) - [How do I turn off a solar inverter safely?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/turn-off-solar-inverter-safely/) - [Do solar panels work during a blackout?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-during-power-outage/) - [Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/add-battery-to-existing-solar-system/) - [Hail or storm damage to solar panels: what to do](https://arlite.co/support/solar/hail-storm-damaged-solar-panels-what-to-do/) [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) - [Why does my air conditioner keep tripping the breaker?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-tripping-breaker-safety-switch/) - [Why is my air conditioner not cooling or heating properly?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-not-cooling-or-heating/) - [Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-leaking-water-inside/) - [Why does my air conditioner smell musty or like dirty socks?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-smells-musty-dirty-socks/) - [Can solar panels run my air conditioner at night?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/can-solar-panels-run-my-air-conditioner/) [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) - [Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/circuit-breaker-keeps-tripping/) - [Why does my safety switch keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safety-switch-keeps-tripping/) - [Burning smell or hot power point: what to do right now](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/burning-smell-hot-power-point/) - [Why is there no hot water? Electrical faults explained](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/no-hot-water-electrical-checks/) - [What smoke alarms does Queensland require?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/queensland-smoke-alarm-requirements/) [Costs and finance](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/) - [How does interest-free finance work for home energy upgrades?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/interest-free-finance-home-energy-upgrades/) - [What affects the cost of a home battery in Brisbane?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/what-affects-home-battery-cost-brisbane/) - [Can I get compensation for a power outage in Queensland?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/power-outage-compensation-energex/) - [How much does an electrician cost per hour in Brisbane?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/electrician-cost-brisbane/) - [What affects switchboard upgrade cost?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/switchboard-upgrade-cost/) [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) An air conditioner that trips the breaker or safety switch has an overload or fault that a licensed electrician needs to find. By Amanda Cooper, Arlite Energy Last reviewed 30 October 2026 4 minute read **No DIY.** Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Never open, repair, test or modify electrical equipment yourself, even if it looks simple. This guide explains what is happening; it is not a how-to. **On this page** 1. What is the difference between a breaker and a safety switch? 2. Why would an air conditioner trip them? 3. Why is repeatedly restoring power a bad idea? 4. Who does what? 5. Could it be the switchboard rather than the air conditioner? 6. What to note before you call 7. What happens on the visit? 8. What if it only happens occasionally? 9. Frequently asked questions An air conditioner that keeps tripping the circuit breaker or safety switch has an overload or an electrical fault, such as a failing compressor, damaged wiring, water getting in, or a worn breaker. Repeated tripping is a warning. Stop using the unit and have a licensed electrician or air-conditioning technician find the cause. ## What is the difference between a breaker and a safety switch? A circuit breaker protects wiring from overheating by cutting power when too much current flows. A safety switch (also called an RCD, or residual current device) protects people by cutting power quickly if electricity is leaking to earth, for example through a person or through water. When a safety switch trips, it means something is leaking current, and that is taken seriously. Our guides on a tripping breaker and a tripping safety switch explain these in more detail. ## Why would an air conditioner trip them? - **An overloaded circuit.** The air conditioner shares a circuit with other loads, or draws more than the circuit can supply. - **A compressor or motor fault.** Worn windings can draw high current or leak current to earth. - **Damaged wiring or loose connections.** These can overheat or arc. - **Water getting into electrical parts.** Leaks, storms or damaged seals can cause earth leakage. - **An ageing breaker or safety switch.** These devices can wear and trip below their rating. Some units draw a surge of power when they start, which is another reason the supply and the circuit need to suit the unit. Only a licensed professional can judge this. ## Why is repeatedly restoring power a bad idea? The device is doing its job. Repeatedly forcing power back on can overheat wiring, damage the unit or put people at risk of shock. Do not try to reset, bypass or replace the breaker, safety switch or isolator yourself. Stop and get help If you smell burning, see smoke or sparks, hear buzzing from the switchboard, or anyone gets a tingle or shock, keep clear and call 000. For repeated tripping with no other signs, stop using the air conditioner and contact a licensed electrician. They can work with an ARC-licensed air-conditioning technician if the fault is in the unit. ## Who does what? The electrical connection and the circuit are the job of a licensed electrician, and Electrical Safety Office Queensland regulates electrical work in the state. Refrigerant and the internal workings of the unit are the job of an ARC-licensed technician. Some faults involve both, which is why it helps to describe exactly what happened. You can check any electrician’s licence online before you book. ## Could it be the switchboard rather than the air conditioner? Yes. An old or overloaded switchboard, or a breaker or safety switch that is wearing out, can cause nuisance tripping even when the unit is fine. An electrician can tell the difference. ## What to note before you call 1. Record the pattern — Write down whether it trips at start-up, after some minutes, or in particular weather, and whether other appliances were running. 2. Note which device tripped — Look at the switchboard without touching it, and note which switch the label shows has operated. 3. Photograph the labels — Photograph the air conditioner’s make and model label and any display codes, from a safe distance. What you can safely check Look, note and photograph only. Do not open the switchboard or touch switches or the unit. ## What happens on the visit? The electrician will inspect the circuit, the protective devices and the connection, and test them with proper equipment. They will liaise with an air-conditioning technician if the unit itself is at fault. ### What if it only happens occasionally? An occasional trip is still worth reporting. Intermittent faults, such as a slowly failing part or moisture getting in during wet weather, tend to get worse over time. Write down the date and conditions each time it happens so the electrician has a pattern to work from. ## Frequently asked questions - It can be. A safety switch trips when current is leaking, which may put people at risk. Stop using the unit and get a licensed electrician. - No. Air conditioner wiring is fixed and must be done by a licensed electrician. - Heavy use, heat and dust can push a stressed unit or circuit past its limit. It still needs professional checking. - Electrical Safety Office Queensland. You can check an electrician's licence online. [Learn about Air Conditioning](https://arlite.co/services/air-conditioning/) Related services: [Ducted Air Conditioning](https://arlite.co/services/air-conditioning/ducted-air-conditioning/) ## Official guidance For the rules and safety information that apply to your home, go to the regulators and industry bodies directly. - [Australian Refrigeration Council](https://www.arctick.org/) - [Energy Rating (Australian Government)](https://www.energyrating.gov.au/) - [Electrical Safety Office Queensland](https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/) Was this helpful? Written by the team at Arlite Energy, a Brisbane business that designs and installs solar, air conditioning and electrical work for homes and businesses. We write these guides in plain English so you know what is happening in your home. ## Related articles - [ElectricalWhy does my circuit breaker keep tripping?A breaker keeps tripping when a circuit is overloaded, shorted or leaking, or the breaker is worn; a licensed electrician should find which.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/circuit-breaker-keeps-tripping/) - [ElectricalWhy does my safety switch keep tripping?A safety switch keeps tripping when it detects current leaking to earth, such as from a faulty appliance or moisture; never bypass it.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safety-switch-keeps-tripping/) - [ElectricalWhy do my lights dim when the air conditioner starts?A brief dip when a big appliance starts can happen, but dimming that is getting worse, lasts or comes with other signs needs a licensed electrician.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/lights-dim-when-aircon-starts/) - [Air conditioningWhat do air conditioner flashing lights and error codes mean?Flashing lights and error codes are the unit's way of reporting a fault, and the meaning depends on your model, so note the pattern and call.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-flashing-lights-error-codes/) ## Still stuck? Tell us what is going on and we can arrange a call-out. [Book a call-out](https://arlite.co/contact/) On this page 1. What is the difference between a breaker and a safety switch? 2. Why would an air conditioner trip them? 3. Why is repeatedly restoring power a bad idea? 4. Who does what? 5. Could it be the switchboard rather than the air conditioner? 6. What to note before you call 7. What happens on the visit? 8. What if it only happens occasionally? 9. Frequently asked questions --- **Arlite Energy**, Unit 1, 1468 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503. Phone [(07) 3062 9299](tel:+61730629299), email [info@arlite.co](mailto:info@arlite.co). Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. Page: https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-tripping-breaker-safety-switch/ Site index for agents: [llms.txt](https://arlite.co/llms.txt), [sitemap](https://arlite.co/wp-sitemap.xml), [developer resources](https://arlite.co/developers/).