Start cap is only 35-40mFD?
Does it have a resistor across the terminals, while you're taking a reading?
Hi all. This is my first post.
I am a refrigeration mechanic and am frustrated that I can't figure this problem out. It doesn't help that it's on my mother in laws heat pump.
Her system is a 3 year old R410a Heritage 15 American Standard electric variable speed air handler with 15 seer American Standard heat pump.
1) service call of lights flickering in house. When I arrive I notice that the start capacitor is very low (around 30 mfd). I replace and test the potential relay. Start windings drop out as they should. System runs great.
2) two weeks later they call me to say the lights are flickering again. I return to find the new start capacitor has literally blown up. Ohm out compressor windings and find 3.1, 2.2, 2.1. Suspect a Run to Start winding short. Replace compressor, potential relay, start capacitor, filter drier, and refrigerant. Start up and perform full system checklist. Everything is awesome.
3) today (about two weeks later) I go to their house to pick up my son and swing into the back yard to check things out with the heat pump. Rated compressor amp is 11.1. Actual is 8.9. I kill power to test the start capacitor and it measures 35-40 mfds. I restore power to the unit and it pulls LRA for about 2 seconds (56.7amps) before eventually starting up again.
What the heck is going on here? Any suggestions would be great.
Thanks,
Josh.
Start cap is only 35-40mFD?
Does it have a resistor across the terminals, while you're taking a reading?
"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing" Socrates
No
What is it rated for?
35-40 is a run cap not a start cap
Does the start have have a resistor?
If it only has one cap, it shouldnt have a pot relay
"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing" Socrates
Did you give the pressures enough time to equilizer before restoring power? Could be that the system is not equalizing before asct times out. Maybe the equilizer line on txv or bleed function of txv is restricted, or you got a Chinese start cap.
The capacitor is a start cap. It is rated for 130-170mfd. It is now, after two weeks use, reading only 35-40mfd.
Yes to pressures. And why would the start cap be dropping its mfds after two weeks use?
So, does the start cap have a resistor?
If not, it is likely welding the pot relay contacts.
The pot relay was installed right side up correct?
"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing" Socrates
It does not have a resistor. The start cap drops out after start up. Wouldn't that eliminate welded contacts?
A start cap needs to have the resistor. It can be intermittently sticking pot contacts due to arcing.
The resistor allows the cap to bleed off after dropping out of the circuit. If it doesn't bleed off and the pot relay resets, while the cap is fully charged, it can weld contacts permanently or intermittently.
When the start cap remains in operation too long it will blow off the pressure relief, and likely dry up, losing capacitance. Remember, most electrolyte mixtures are water based. So, if it becomes overheated, hydrogen gas will be released and blow out the top.
The potential relay also has a directional arrow that must face upward for proper operation.
"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing" Socrates
The relay is installed correctly however the cap doesn't have a bleed resister. Of course this begs the question, why sell a start cap without a bleed resistor? Thanks for the info. I will purchase a start cap with a bleed resistor. Any other suggestions would be great as well.
Sometimes they come in the box with spade clips, to be installed and removed when checking cap with a meter. If you have the resistor connected while checking the mfd rating, it will be off due to the resistors interference of the capacitors reactance.
"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing" Socrates
Should have replaced the contactor when you did the compressor changeout. When you get that new start cap, pick up a contactor as well.
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The best way to add age to a capacitor is through over use. So.... A run cap will lose value when the current draw through it is really high. As for Start Caps.... Most after market 'boost' or kickstart caps have a resistor under the cap on top. As long as there is a time delay to ensure the pressures are actually equalized before it starts again (causing high current draw on startup and premature capacitor aging) and the capacitor actually is discharged before the system starts (with a resistor) and the system is not short cycling for some reason (over use again) you should be all set.
Some start caps do test out at a value other than the nameplate because the resistor throws off what the meter tells you (FYI) so dont test it on initial installation and say its busted because it reads off of the nameplate value.
Check the run cap.
I can't believe you replaced the compressor. Check for short cycling. Replace the POT relay and start capacitor and add a bleed resistor. Also check your run capacitor.
The equalizer line on a TXV is not to equalize pressure during shutoff
@Gravity. Are you talking to me? The compressor ohms out bad and is under warranty. It also pulled higher than expected amps when running. The run cap is fine. Why wouldn't I swap the compressor? I have already replaced the POT relay and start capacitor. Are you saying I should do that again? Also, why are you talking about the external equalizer line and what about short cycling?
As a note:I was replacing the failing start caps with off the shelf caps that didn't have bleed resistors. I ordered the factory replacement cap with bleed resistor and replaced it, along with the contactor, late last week. I plan on returning late this week to see if there are any changes.
What about the crankcase Heater? is it wired correctly line voltage, Voltage drops. Potential relay upside down. But the resister on all start caps with potential relays.
Did the compressor fail or did you jump the gun and blame the compressor as the source of the problem? not condemning just asking?
Bruce