Summer in Australia puts serious pressure on your home’s electrical system, and your air conditioner is the biggest culprit.
If your AC keeps tripping the power, it’s not just an inconvenience. It’s a warning sign that something isn’t safe or correctly installed.

Here are the 7 most common reasons your air conditioner is causing power trips, and what you should do next.

1. Overloaded Circuit (Most Common Cause)

Many older homes don’t have a dedicated circuit for the air conditioner.
If your AC shares a circuit with:

• Lights

• Power points

• Outdoor appliances

• Other high-load devices

It will overload and trip the safety switch.

Signs you have an overloaded circuit:

✔ Lights dimming when AC starts
✔ Other appliances shutting off
✔ Frequent tripping during peak heat
✔ AC cuts out when the compressor kicks in

A dedicated AC circuit is usually required for safe operation.

2. Faulty or Ageing Air Conditioner Components

Inside the air conditioner, components like:

• Compressors

• Fans

• Capacitors

• Wiring

They can wear out over time.

When the AC struggles to start, it draws more current, causing a trip.

Warning signs:

✔ AC takes longer to start
✔ Buzzing or humming noises
✔ Weak airflow
✔ Warm air or inconsistent cooling

This needs professional diagnosis.

3. A Weak or Faulty Circuit Breaker

Sometimes the breaker itself is the issue.
Older switchboards or faulty breakers may trip more easily.

If your breaker feels warm, buzzes, or trips with no clear pattern, the switchboard may need an upgrade.

4. Loose or Damaged Wiring

Loose connections cause:

• Heat buildup

• Arcing

• Voltage drops

• Intermittent power loss

This is a major safety hazard and one of the most common causes of tripping during hot weather.

You should never attempt to repair wiring yourself. It must be done by a licensed electrician.

5. Dirty or Blocked Aircon Filters

Blocked filters force the AC to work harder, drawing more current and overheating the system.

Symptoms:

✔ Weak airflow
✔ AC shutting down on hot days
✔ Higher energy bills
✔ Ice forming on the indoor unit

Cleaning or replacing filters is a quick fix.

6. The AC Is Too Large for the Electrical System

A high-capacity AC unit requires high-capacity wiring and a dedicated circuit.

If your home’s electrical system wasn’t designed for the size of unit installed, it will trip every time the compressor starts.

This is common in older homes where AC was added later.

7. Problems With Your Safety Switch (RCD)

Your safety switch protects you from electrical faults.
If it’s faulty or overly sensitive, it may trip unnecessarily.

Signs your RCD may be the issue:

✔ Trips even when AC is off
✔ Trips randomly throughout the day
✔ Won’t reset
✔ Feels warm to touch

In this case, the RCD or switchboard needs to be inspected.

Don’t Ignore a Tripping AC. It Means Something Isn’t Safe

If your air conditioner keeps shutting off your power, it’s a sign of:

✔ An electrical fault
✔ An overloaded circuit
✔ A failing component
✔ Or a switchboard issue

Ignoring the problem can lead to electrical fires, equipment damage, or a complete system failure; especially during summer heatwaves.

Need help with a tripping air conditioner? Call us today and we’ll diagnose and fix the issue fast, keeping your home cool, safe, and powered.