How to test AC circuit breaker?

[scottinsydney]

The salon AC twin 240 volt circuit breaker suddenly started popping when genset power was turned on.

I disconnected the blower motor and the circuit breaker did not pop. Replaced the blower motor and problem reoccurs. Pump and trigger seem fine.

How do I test the double circuit breaker in the engine room?

[oscarvan]

The salon AC twin 240 volt circuit breaker suddenly started popping when genset power was turned on.

I disconnected the blower motor and the circuit breaker did not pop. Replaced the blower motor and problem reoccurs. Pump and trigger seem fine.

How do I test the double circuit breaker in the engine room?

Can you swap it with another one and see if the problem migrates?

[scottinsydney]

No, This is a double (twin) circuit breaker. 2 x 120 volts I guess.

I would have to order a replacement from USA and 3 weeks lead time. So looking to test first if possible.

[SKYCHENEY]

Might be a bad Triac. Had a friend with the same problem. We replaced the Triac and problem solved.

[scottinsydney]

Thanks.. where is the Triac generally located please? In the condensor wall box or trigger wall box? Is there one triac for each aircom?

[SKYCHENEY]

In the PWX box for that unit. In the top mounted on a heat sink with a stud through the top of the box.

[scottinsydney]

Thanks Sky. I will go look.

Anyone, any ideas on how to test a double circuit breaker?

[MadHatter53]

You could wire it to another load.

[scottinsydney]

So, we had previously wired the "replacement" blower motor to another power source and the circuit breaker does not pop when genset power applied. But we now have to turn the blower on at a power point and the condensor on using the SMX control. Not ideal.

One investigation thought is to connect a light globe to the original blower wiring and see if it illuminates when the condensor is turned on. This may test the circuit board and also the triac as Sky suggested.

This is why I am wondering how to test the double circuit breaker.

CBs.JPG

[oscarvan]

This is why I am wondering how to test the double circuit breaker.

When you say test you want to verify that it will pass a load up to its rated value and then pop right?

Wire a piece of fat wire with a big female connector. (Something rated for the max current of the breaker. Put some dock splitters on. Do it at the marina and borrow everyone's dog bones... LOL. Start hooking up things.... space heaters, blow dryers etc... know their wattage and do the math.....