Can Home AC Electrical Whip Cause Compressor Failure?

Question

I have an 11 year old Arcoaire ac unit. The other day we heard a pop sound and noticed a little smoking coming from the electrical whip casing. The part of the casing with the issue is about half between the cutoff box and the actual ac unit.
We noticed a small split in the casing, and this is where more popping and little smoke was coming from. Fearing an electrical fire, I quickly shot off power at the breaker.
My question is, does this sound like an issue that can damage or break the compressor? I don't want to replace the compressor, or likely the whole unit, if it's just an issue of replacing the wiring and electrical whip.
Any knowledge or advice would be most welcomed. Thanks.

JACK · Answer

Yes, your whip is bad and has shorted out. Since the casing is split it needs to be replaced. Your best bet is to remove the whip from the unit and bring it to an electrical supply store for replacement. You could try a home store but most of those people don't know how to change a light bulb.
Once you remove the whip, try pulling the wires out of the casing and look for the burnt wire as confirmation to the problem.

Can Home AC Electrical Whip Cause Compressor Failure?

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