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Topic: Fuse blowing

User: strippers&dykes, Location: Mes,AZ

Asked on: Monday, April 18, 2011 at 8:44 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 4:21 am EDT

Question: 200 amp jjn fuse keeps blowing and melting main fuse pullout. Problem only occurs when a/c is ran. Recently replaced the fuse pullout and is doing it again. Equipment is square d and is pretty old and beat down. A/C is a 60 amp and fuses are fine in disconnect. When I replaced the fuse pullout I went through and tightened everything. Checked voltages and loads and everything was fine, a/c was at 28amps on #6. This evening it melted the fuse pullout and blew out the B phase fuse. Any suggestions?

Possible Causes



Faulty A/C Unit

A failing a/c compressor or capacitor can draw excessive current, causing the fuse to blow.


Loose Connections

Loose wires or terminals on the a/c unit, fuse pullout, or main panel can create resistance and generate heat, leading to fuse failure.

Oversized Circuit

The 200 amp fuse may be too large for the load, causing it to blow even under normal operating conditions.


Ground Fault

A ground fault in the a/c unit or wiring can also trip the fuse.

Equipment Age and Condition

Older equipment may have worn-out or damaged components that can cause fuse failures.

Troubleshooting Steps

1.

Check A/C Unit

Inspect the a/c unit for any signs of damage or malfunction. Check the compressor, capacitor, and wiring connections.2.

Tighten Connections

Use a torque wrench to tighten all electrical connections on the a/c unit, fuse pullout, and main panel.3.

Verify Circuit Size

Calculate the total load on the circuit and ensure that the 200 amp fuse is not oversized.4.

Check for Ground Fault

Use a multimeter to test for ground faults between the hot conductors and ground.5.

Isolate Equipment

Disconnect other loads on the circuit to determine if the problem is isolated to the a/c unit.6.

Inspect Fuse Pullout

Examine the fuse pullout for any signs of damage or arcing. If there is evidence of damage, replace the fuse pullout.7.

Replace Fuse

Install a new fuse of the correct amperage and type.

Additional Tips:
Monitor the load on the circuit using an ammeter to ensure that it does not exceed the fuse rating. Consider installing a surge protector to protect the equipment from voltage spikes. Have the a/c unit inspected and serviced by a qualified technician to identify any potential issues.* If the problem persists, contact a licensed electrician for further diagnosis and repair. Flag for review

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