Results from Service Visit
#1
Results from Service Visit
I had posted earlier how our Carrier condenser unit kept tripping the circuit breaker. Here's how the service call went:
a. Visual inspection of capacitor. No visible swelling or burn marks so I guess he assumed it was okay.
b. Use ohmeter to check compressor windings. No short between windings and ground
c. Used clamp on ampmeter to check current draw from compressor. Meter started at 0....when contactor applied high voltage meter went to 40+ amps and breaker tripped.
d. Disconnected compressor from circuit by removing wires from run capacitor and contactor. Reset breaker and energized contactor....fan starts to run indicating contactor, capacitor, and fan motor are all good.
Conclusion: Even though compressor windings checked okay the tech concluded that internal mechanical components (I think he called it a lock step rotor) had "frozen." I guess this rotor moves a piston which accomplished the compression action. This lock up action caused the compressor to "work harder" and draw enough amperage to trip the breaker.
And the fun part....well, see my earlier post on "Labor Charges"
a. Visual inspection of capacitor. No visible swelling or burn marks so I guess he assumed it was okay.
b. Use ohmeter to check compressor windings. No short between windings and ground
c. Used clamp on ampmeter to check current draw from compressor. Meter started at 0....when contactor applied high voltage meter went to 40+ amps and breaker tripped.
d. Disconnected compressor from circuit by removing wires from run capacitor and contactor. Reset breaker and energized contactor....fan starts to run indicating contactor, capacitor, and fan motor are all good.
Conclusion: Even though compressor windings checked okay the tech concluded that internal mechanical components (I think he called it a lock step rotor) had "frozen." I guess this rotor moves a piston which accomplished the compression action. This lock up action caused the compressor to "work harder" and draw enough amperage to trip the breaker.
And the fun part....well, see my earlier post on "Labor Charges"
#2
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Did the breaker trip almost instantly when power was applied.
Compressor pull alot of amps when the start, some upwards of 90, but as soon as they start pumping the go down.
If the breaker was tripping before the compressor ever got started might try a new breaker first and see.
I had one that was tripping the breaker, and the breaker wouldn't trip for a good few seconds
Compressor pull alot of amps when the start, some upwards of 90, but as soon as they start pumping the go down.
If the breaker was tripping before the compressor ever got started might try a new breaker first and see.
I had one that was tripping the breaker, and the breaker wouldn't trip for a good few seconds
#3
The circuit breaker is rated at 60 amps which the technician thought was a bit high. I watched the meter clipped around the compressor wire off the contactor and it started at zero amps, then went quickly to over 40 amps in about 2 seconds after high voltage was applied. At that point the breaker tripped. You might have something there because I really didn't hear anything from the compressor as far as trying to start up. Guess I'll go over to the Home Depot and get a new breaker. Thanks
#4
Look at the plate rating on the condensor. Somewhere on there it will say Max Breaker or Max Circuit Protection.
Like said, on start up you could potentially have double the amps for a few seconds, then they will level out. Normally if a compressor is locked up it will take out the internal safety 1st.
Like said, on start up you could potentially have double the amps for a few seconds, then they will level out. Normally if a compressor is locked up it will take out the internal safety 1st.