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View Full Version : Can't believe I broke the compressor why?


newactech
May 18, 2008, 05:58 PM
[F]i'm new in hvac, ok i replace two compressor the same day, the first one was ok.
the other one, work for 14 hour, then kick off; ok when i check amp in condenser unit was in 0.37 ok line 1 had 120v and line 2 had no voltage; ok i tigh a hot wire inside the breaker box, when i turn it back on, i heard a noise, breaker pop off, surprise, compressor lost
continuity, what happen, i connect compressor simple, line 1 and 2 and capacitor.
i can't even think about what made compressor lost the continuity.:confused:

KISS
May 18, 2008, 07:35 PM
What was the voltage of the compressor?

What voltage did you connect it to?

hvac1000
May 18, 2008, 08:02 PM
Describe how you did the install.
From removal of the old to the complete install of the new compressor.

newactech
May 19, 2008, 12:10 PM
I connected to 220v

I recover the r-22, took old compressor out, flush with nitrogent,did vacuum, connected L1, L2 and capacitor in herm part. Put freon and I was happy until the next day.

hvac1000
May 19, 2008, 12:17 PM
Did you have 220 volts when you started the new compressor?
Did you have 220 volts after the compressor died?
Do you have 220 volts at the inside of the unit at the contactor now?

newactech
May 19, 2008, 12:47 PM
Before comp. died voltage was 110 only L1 had power, after that I adjust breaker and check again I had 220v, and I install compressor wire L1 L2 capsitor, turn breake and died.

hvac1000
May 19, 2008, 03:16 PM
I do not have a answer for you. Compressor replacements usually do not fail so fast. I have no idea how new you are to this trade but it takes some experience (usually with a real service person with many years experience) to learn all the tips and tricks and that has to be done on site not out of a book..

KISS
May 19, 2008, 04:14 PM
I thought everybody agrees that there is no 220 in the US. It's 240.

Did you have 240V at the compressor when the compressor was operating?

hvac1000
May 19, 2008, 05:02 PM
Actually I have 228 Volts here. LOL Since I was taught years ago that the wall outlets were 110 I just X2 and came up with 220.
Nothing was worse than downtown where the neutrals are fused and the hot legs are not. We ripped much of that out years ago but every once in a while I will get a call from a rookie who cannot believe the hot legs are not fused on 110 volts. LOL

newactech
May 19, 2008, 07:14 PM
Its, not the first compressor that I install, but it's the first one that got me thinking, I going tomorrow to make a deep electrical test, and I won't install another one in thist unit until I find out, I sure a I'm having a nice way to star, with this hard trobleshooting, I thanks for your times guys, I know its hard when you not fisical in the place, but thanks,
I got use to said 220 when its 240v and 110 hen its 120v my mistake.

newactech
May 19, 2008, 07:15 PM
Yes I have 240v when compressor was operating.

newactech
May 20, 2008, 02:45 PM
OK compressor was replace by warranty, I'm ready to install the next one.

hvac1000
May 20, 2008, 03:21 PM
Follow proper procedures. You might want to add a liquid line drier.
If you think the other compressor burnt out do a acid test.
If acid shows use a suction line drier also.

Pull a good vacuum for sometime (not 15 minutes) more like a hour after you leak check your work. If you do not have a micron gauge pull a vac for at least 2-3 hours to get rid of all the non condensibles.

Before starting up the new compressor make sure all leads that attach to the compressor pins are TIGHT. Also check all powering from the unit back to the breaker box.

Do not leave that unit for the first hour or so of operation. Carefully calculate the refrigerant charge If something goes bad kill the power right away.

I hope you have a amprobe because you will want to watch the current draw on start up and during charge. Depending upon temp and pressures the running amps should be observed. This can give you an early warning if a pending second disaster is about to happen.

Good luck