The fuse box is a safety mechanism that ensures your electrical appliances do not succumb to a surge of high voltage. When a fuse blows, it means your electrical components are drawing too much power supply from the circuit board.
Blown fuses are actually an uncommon issue, but they can occur during Singapore’s hottest days when your AC needs to work overtime. It can also happen if there are one or more components in your air conditioning unit that are malfunctioning. These fuses will act as a safety mechanism, preventing electrical damage to your unit.
Here are ways you can tell that you've got a blown fuse!
6 Signs and Possible Causes of A Blown AC Fuse
Sign #1: Outdoor AC Unit
The first sign of a blown fuse that you'll notice is that the outdoor unit of your air conditioner will immediately stop working as there is no electrical current flowing into the unit anymore. You'll notice a lack of vibrations coming from your AC unit, and your cooling system will suddenly become quiet.
This is the most common sign of a blown fuse, and you need to unplug your air conditioner immediately to prevent further damage. As much as possible, unplug any devices that are connected to the same circuit, which would most likely stop functioning as well.
Sign #2: Strange Noises
In addition to your air conditioner shutting down instantly, you may hear a strange, humming noise coming from the outdoor unit. You may hear the noise as a grinding, buzzing, or squealing sound as the air conditioner attempts to function properly without any energy input.
As the air conditioning unit continues to pull energy from the main power line wires, it creates this buzzing or humming sound. However, no electricity flows through as a result of blown fuses, so the noise can be clearly heard.
Sign #3: Air Conditioner Stops Working
You'll also notice that your air conditioner stops working despite checking the circuits, flipping the tripped breaker, and restarting your unit. A blown fuse would require replacement for your unit to work again, and without a replacement, it is unsafe to operate any electrical devices in your home.
Sign #4: Burnt or Exhaust Smell
If the air conditioner fuse is blown due to a short circuit, it may cause a spark that would emit a burning or exhaust smell. This is a highly sensitive and dangerous situation, so it is best to unplug all devices, turn off the electrical power coming into the house, and contact an experienced electrician immediately.
The burning smell indicates something has overheated or burnt along your electrical connections, while an exhaust smell coming from air conditioners indicates burning refrigerant gas. Both must be dealt with by trained professionals to safely address the issue.
Sign #5: Frequent Tripping of the Circuit Breaker
If your circuit breaker trips repeatedly whenever you turn on the aircon, it might be due to a blown fuse. This is often caused by electrical overloads, short circuits, or worn-out components that need replacement. In Singapore, where air conditioners run almost daily, electrical issues like this are quite common.
Sign #6: No Display On Thermostat
A non-responsive thermostat, with no display or backlight, could indicate a blown fuse. Since the thermostat controls the entire aircon system, any power failure in this component can disrupt cooling operations.
How to Fix a Blown Aircon Fuse?
If you suspect that your aircon has a blown fuse, here are some steps you can take to fix the issue safely.
Turn off the Aircon Power
Before doing anything, switch off the aircon and unplug it from the power source. This ensures your safety and prevents further electrical damage.
Check the Fuse Wire
The air conditioner's fuses are located in the disconnect box by the outdoor unit. You can look through the outdoor unit's access panel to find the AC fuses, and check for any blown fuse. A blown AC fuse would have a sooty, grimey appearance, and may be frayed, partially melted, or otherwise disfigured.
If you're handy in the shop, you can use a voltmeter to check for blown AC fuses. Set the voltmeter to 0, then attach the voltmeter's wires to the screws of your disconnection box. The reading should present 220V to 240V, which indicates a working fuse. If the reading is lower than 220V, or completely 0, then you have a problem with the fuses.
Replace the Fuse
If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new one of the same rating. Using the wrong fuse can lead to more electrical problems, so ensure that the replacement matches the manufacturer’s specifications. If you're inexperienced with electrical devices, it’s best to contact an electrician to do the work. The power box has a high-voltage reading and is dangerous to tinker with without proper safety gear and know-how. It is best to contact a professional service instead.
Restore Power and Test the Aircon
Once the fuse is replaced, turn the aircon back on and check if it functions properly. If it starts cooling as usual, then the problem is resolved.
Call a Professional
If the aircon still doesn’t work or the fuse blows again after replacement, it’s best to contact our HVAC specialists at Luce Aircon to diagnose and fix the problem for you!
A blown fuse is often an indicator of a persistent issue with your unit, and our technicians will be able to find out what's wrong with your unit. We will be able to solve the problem regarding your unit so your air conditioner will no longer cause fuses to blow repeatedly, and you can enjoy the cold air coming from your air conditioner even during Singapore's hottest month!
Take Care of Your Air Conditioner
Blown fuses are signs of their own, indicating an underlying problem with your air conditioner. Preventing a blown fuse is simpler and much less costly than repairing one, and for any air conditioner concerns, you have us at Luce to trust with the maintenance of your unit!
Say goodbye to air conditioner problems—Luce is here to provide top-notch aircon cleaning and repair services across Singapore
Contact us today for more information about our services and offers!
Check out our article on why your aircon keeps blowing fuses!
