Why Does My RV AC Keep Tripping the Breaker?
If your RV AC is frequently tripping the breaker, it usually boils down to one straightforward issue: your air conditioner is consuming more amps than the breaker can support. Breaker trips usually happen when the RV AC power draw is higher than the breaker can handle, especially during startup surges.
When this occurs, the breaker “trips” as a precautionary measure to avoid overheating and electrical damage. But what causes your AC to draw so much power? Here are some of the most frequent reasons:
- AC startup surge exceeding breaker capacity – When your AC initially turns on, it requires a significant surge of electricity. If this surge surpasses your breaker’s rating, it will trip.
- Dirty air filters or coils – Blocked airflow forces your AC to work harder, which increases the electrical load.
- Undersized power supply – If your shore power or generator cannot provide enough watts for the AC’s startup and operational needs, the breaker may trip.
- Faulty wiring or breaker issues – Loose, worn, or damaged wiring can lead to overheating and tripping.
A solution that is becoming increasingly popular among RVers is the installation of a soft starter. The Micro-Air EasyStart™ soft starter can reduce the startup surge by up to 75%, significantly lowering the chances of overloading your breaker. Micro-Air’s EasyStart is specifically designed for this purpose and is trusted by thousands of RV owners.
How Many Amps Does an RV AC Draw?
Understanding your RV AC electrical load is a big part of preventing breaker trips. This means knowing both the startup surge and the running amps your unit requires. Your RV air conditioner has two amp ratings:
- Startup amps – the initial burst of power required to start the compressor.
- Running amps – the consistent, lower draw once the AC is operational.
For many RV AC units, startup amps can be 3–5 times greater than running amps. This means that even if your breaker can manage the running load, it might trip during startup.
The chart below compares an AC's starting amps with and without an EasyStart soft starter. Without the EasyStart, the AC current can surge to over 60 amps upon starting up. With the EasyStart soft starter, it gradually climbs to just over 20 amps, then levels out, reducing power needs.
If you’re interested in exploring this topic further, take a look at Micro-Air’s comprehensive guide here: How Many Amps Does an RV AC Draw.
What Size Generator Do I Need to Run an RV AC?
When operating your RV air conditioning unit with a generator, the generator's size is crucial. A generator that is too small may have difficulty providing sufficient power during the initial startup, which can lead to breaker trips or even cause the generator to shut down completely.
A helpful guideline is to:
- Ensure that your generator's output aligns with both the startup and running amp requirements of your air conditioning unit.
- Also, consider any other appliances you plan to use simultaneously.
If you use a Micro-Air EasyStart soft starter with your AC, you might be able to utilize a smaller, quieter generator without the risk of tripping breakers. The chart below will assist you in determining the appropriate generator size for your AC when using a soft starter:
Related reading: How to Run Your RV AC on a Small Generator
Which Generator is Better for an RV? Propane or Gas?
Both propane and gas generators come with their own advantages and disadvantages.
- Gasoline is readily accessible, generally provides more power relative to its size, but demands more regular maintenance.
- On the other hand, propane burns more cleanly, has a longer shelf life without degrading, and emits fewer pollutants, although it usually delivers slightly less power per gallon.
Regardless of your choice, it’s essential to ensure a consistent and stable power supply. Variations in voltage or wattage can lead to breaker trips, particularly during the startup of the AC. For a more comprehensive comparison and information on tri-fuel generators, refer to: Propane vs. Gas Generators for RV.
Making an RV AC More Efficient
Reducing your AC’s workload can help keep breakers from tripping and extend the life of your unit. As part of your RV AC troubleshooting, look at efficiency improvements, like cleaning filters, doing regular maintenance, or adding a soft starter, to reduce electrical load and help prevent breaker trips. If your RV breaker trips when the AC runs try these tips:
-
Clean or replace air filters regularly
-
Inspect and clean condenser and evaporator coils
-
Use a soft starter to reduce startup surge
-
Shade your RV and run your AC alongside fans to reduce cooling demand
-
Consider solar assist for lighter loads
You can read more in our full guide here: How to Make an RV AC More Efficient.
Stop Your RV AC from Tripping the Breaker
Breaker trips often indicate that your air conditioning unit is drawing more power than your system can support, this could be due to a significant startup surge, an inadequately sized power source, or additional stress from insufficient maintenance.
This is where the Micro-Air EasyStart can help. By cutting startup amps by as much as 75%, it enables you to operate your AC more dependably on shore power, smaller generators, or even while boondocking.
The Micro-Air advantages include:
- Produced, tested, and backed in the USA – Each EasyStart unit is manufactured in-house and goes through comprehensive testing before leaving our manufacturing facility. 100% quality control. to guarantee zero defects.
- Customer support based in the U.S. – Real people right here in the U.S. are available to assist you whether you’re at home or traveling across the country.
- Designed for performance and durability – With over 100,000 RV soft starters installed, we have gained the confidence and trust of the RV community.
From the initial concept to the final product, Micro-Air is dedicated to providing a unit you can rely on—trip after trip, season after season. Plus, the EasyStart Breeze™ is compatible with all RV air conditioner brands including Dometic (Brisk, Penguin, Blizzard, FreshJet), Coleman, GE, Furrion, etc. It also features available Bluetooth technology, letting you troubleshoot from your phone, saving you time and avoiding complicated tear-downs or guesswork.
Helpful links:
Related reading:
- How to Run AC with Solar Power in an RV
- RVing with Pets: Tips to Keep them Safe
- Best Ways to Power Your RV When Boondocking
