Who should I call?

[agm454]

So not sure where to post this but I smelled plastic burning and needed to get some advice. Is this a fire hazard? It’s coming from my HVAC system and we do have a home warranty but is this an HVAC problem? Electrical problem? Or both? Any help is appreciated. I will be paying a deductible for each if I get zero feedback.

 

[schwaggs]

Hard to tell. Could be the AC failed and overloaded the wiring which burned. However, if the electrical was installed properly, it should have tripped the breaker and not burned.

I would start with the electrical repair. That will have to be repaired/replaced and double-checked to see why it burned and the breaker didn't trip.

 

[agm454]

Just spoke to a buddy who is an electrician and he told me I may need both. Either way I pulled it and I’m pretty sure I’m in for a cold night. Glad I pulled it however as it was smelling like burned plastic. Saw this and I’d rather be cold than have a house fire. Setting an appointment with an HVAC tech tomm. Electric may have to be done through my buddy but we will see. He thinks HVAC can do the repair and it should be covered but he will be out tomm just in case. “Should” (I pray it is)

 

[ActiveAngel]

Good luck buddy!

That’s a rough situation to be in, but we’re all glad you’re okay! Keep us informed

 

[agm454]

Thanks! I can always offer garage advice as I’m a service technician for a garage door company so if anyone has problems feel free to reach out

 

[bhodges82]

It's likely there is an issue with the ac that caused the shutoff to melt. Most good air conditioning techs are good electricians as well. Over-amping likely caused the over heat, could be a loose connection or faulty motor.

 

[Justin]

I would call electrician first. Or just change the breaker yourself. Make sure all wire is nice and tight. That should have tripped the breaker. You can also get a new disconnect at Home Depot. What part of town are you in?

 

[agm454]

I would call electrician first. Or just change the breaker yourself. Make sure all wire is nice and tight. That should have tripped the breaker. You can also get a new disconnect at Home Depot. What part of town are you in?

i am in the Sandy Springs area. And I did think about that as well but the wife wants someone to come check it out. I don’t have a ton of electrical experience

 

[jcook54]

I'd call HVAC. The tech should be able to take care of a disconnect too. <---- This was my answer but I wasn't totally confident that it was right so I called a friends who's still in the industry and he confirmed that his first call would be to HVAC. Of course he also used the term "should" but that's where I'd start.

 

[agm454]

I'd call HVAC. The tech should be able to take care of a disconnect too. <---- This was my answer but I wasn't totally confident that it was right so I called a friends who's still in the industry and he confirmed that his first call would be to HVAC. Of course he also used the term "should" but that's where I'd start.

Lol I feel the same way! It’s all good I really appreciate any input. HVAC scheduled. I’m going to leave until my slotted appointment time so my son doesn’t get too cold. Currently 64 in the house

 

[Justin]

Most hvac company’s will do electrical as well. But for the money I would fix it myself. They don’t stock these things on there trucks (service Trucks anyway) i asked where you live because I was going to offer to help but with the holidays and family in town the weekend would be best for me. If you could get the disconnect changed and wire fixed. We could talk over the phone to see what’s wrong with the unit I could order parts and come over this weekend to get you going but I didn’t know what your time frame was. With small kinds it’s best to get the heat going as soon as possible. (No charge other then parts, this reef family has already been great to me it’s the least I could do to help out a member.

You could also open the unit up and look for more bad wire could tell you where this started. Might just be a bad disconnect. And breaker!

 

[agm454]

I’ll check and see

 

[Adam]

That is the service disconnect that is usually near the outside AC unit or Heat pump. With you saying you were in for a cold night I take it that you have a heat pump. As others have said the breaker should have tripped before that disconnect had a melt down. If it was outside like it should have been it's odd you smelled the burning inside. That leads me to believe that there was more melting in that wire run between the disconnect and the breaker panel. You sir, are very lucky and got it shut down before a fire started in the wall.

The HVAC tech will be able to do the whole job with that specific problem but there most likely may need to be a new wire run and that could include opening the walls. I would still have your buddy come look at the other breakers because if this one was bad there's a chance that others may be bad as well.

 

[agm454]

Most hvac company’s will do electrical as well. But for the money I would fix it myself. They don’t stock these things on there trucks (service Trucks anyway) i asked where you live because I was going to offer to help but with the holidays and family in town the weekend would be best for me. If you could get the disconnect changed and wire fixed. We could talk over the phone to see what’s wrong with the unit I could order parts and come over this weekend to get you going but I didn’t know what your time frame was. With small kinds it’s best to get the heat going as soon as possible. (No charge other then parts, this reef family has already been great to me it’s the least I could do to help out a member.

You could also open the unit up and look for more bad wire could tell you where this started. Might just be a bad disconnect. And breaker!

Didn’t even see this, text me please 678-437-8357

 

[agm454]

Well the HVAC guy came out from the warranty company and said I need an electrician so now I wait another day for our heat to work. Fingers crossed

 

[bhodges82]

Well the HVAC guy came out from the warranty company and said I need an electrician so now I wait another day for our heat to work. Fingers crossed

Can't stand warranty companies, they wanted $75 to come out and check my leaking garbage disposal when I bought the house and couldn't guarantee a fix, I replaced it myself instead.

How's your tank temperature?

 

[jcook54]

That was what I was worried about. Did he do anything while he was there or just look at the disconnect and say, "nothing I can do now."?

 

[chuck]

That was what I was worried about. Did he do anything while he was there or just look at the disconnect and say, "nothing I can do now."?

its a esay fix but you really need to know what caused the problem breakers go bad. You can get another breaker box cut the bad wires and lower the box

 

[york1]

I am glad you caught this before it became a bigger problem. Tho I am very disappointed no one answered "Ghost busters" Just sayin

 

[ichthyoid]

The bridge in that service disconnect suffered a catastrophic failure.
By the looks of the size of the wire, it's possible it have been undersized.
60 Amps, yikes! (wondering about your electric bill?)
Glad you are ok & good luck with the repair!