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Elwoodslc · Jun 22, 2008, 10:16 AM

I have a Carrier Condenser It requires 197-253 Volts, 30 Amps. I have tested my incoming voltage, which is 249 Volts.

The Hvac guy who installed it said I might need a Hard Start Kit, to give the compressor the extra power it needs. It is a 5 year old unit that was installed a month ago. The fan on the condenser always goes on, but the compressor is intermittent.

My issue with his advice, is that when he installed the condenser, and breakers he split the breakers, one at the top of the panel and one at the bottom of the panel, which theoretically should work because they land on different phase of my panel, but is against code. He installed 2 30 amp single pull breakers. Any ideas would be appreciated

Thanks,

Joe

hkstroud · Jun 22, 2008, 11:33 AM

Why would you take seriously the advise of some one who did such a unprofessional job as that. Is there such a thing as a Hard Start Kit? If it is a very long run from the electric panel to the compressor it is possible that the wiring is undersized. Also possible that you have a faulty contactor.

hvac1000 · Jun 22, 2008, 03:41 PM

The Hvac guy who installed it said i might need a Hard Start Kit,

Yes they are available but should be installed by a competent person.

It is a 5 year old unit that was installed a month ago.

Was this a used unit?

and breakers he split the breakers, one at the top of the panel and one at the bottom of the panel, which theoretically should work because they land on different phase of my panel, but is against code

This is beyond code. This is a disaster waiting to happen.

He installed 2 30 amp single pull breakers

A dual handle 220 volt breaker must be used with both breaker handles tied together just as it comes from the factory.

Get a person that knows what they are doing.

Elwoodslc · Jul 2, 2008, 12:34 PM

Thanks for the quick response.

Was this a used unit? Yes

he split the breakers, one at the top of the panel and one at the bottom of the panel, which theoretically should work because they land on different phase of my panel, but is against code

This is beyond code. This is a disaster waiting to happen.

He installed 2 30 amp single pull breakers

A dual handle 220 volt breaker must be used with both breaker handles tied together just as it comes from the factory.

Get a person that knows what they are doing.

I understand that this is a problem that I have already fixed myself. My question is if I need a hard start. My Voltage is still 249V. Which makes me wonder what a hard start would due, because my Condenser is rated for 253V MAX. Would a hard start damage the condenser. My HVAC guy also said when this particular model of Carrier condenser came out, that they all needed a hard start.

So any help would be appreciated

Joe

wmproop · Jul 2, 2008, 02:27 PM

My HVAC guy also said when this particular model of Carrier condenser came out, that they all needed a hard start.(quote)

Instead of talking,why didn`t he install one,, they not that expensive

Elwoodslc · Jul 2, 2008, 02:30 PM

Originally Posted by wmproop

My HVAC guy also said when this particular model of Carrier condenser came out, that they all needed a hard start.(quote)

instead of talking,why didn`t he install one,,,,they not that expensive

He didn't have one on his truck and his distributor was closed.

hvac1000 · Jul 2, 2008, 03:01 PM

Many older Carrier units come with a hard start kit already installed from the factory. This is done by design and is a necessary part for the use of the equipment. My 30 year old Carrier/Bryant unit came with a hard start system installed and over the years I have had to replace both the relay and capacitor in the start kit and the contactor. Other than that it has been trouble free. That is a great track record for a 30 year old unit. Good luck with your repair.