Lights flickering when compressor turns on

[ivanl3]

The lights in my house flicker whenever the 4-Ton AC/Heat Pump compressor turns on. The compressor was just installed today. It is a new installation (not a replacement). I intend to talk to my contractor about it, but am looking for this boards' comments on this issue. Is this normal? Is it typically an easy fix (if there is such a thing as a typical fix)? Other comments?

Thanks.

[RyanHughes]

I get a slight flicker too. It makes sense to me (not saying it's supposed to happen)... the unit is drawing quite a bit of power.

[smokin68]

Having a hard start kit installed can help this. Also have all elec. connections checked.

[bobb25]

I have everything wired correctly, including a 200 amp Cutler Hammer panel, and some of my lights flicker. I have found they are mostly florescent lights or ones on a rheostat.

[beenthere]

A hard start kit should help.
Have your contractor come back and check it out.
An over charge could also cause it.

[beenthere]

I have everything wired correctly, including a 200 amp Cutler Hammer panel, and some of my lights flicker. I have found they are mostly florescent lights or ones on a rheostat.

What size is it.
What size wire is it.
What is the length of the feed.
Is teh breaker for the OD unit, at or near the top of the panel box.

[RyanHughes]

Actually... after that compressor swap (old compressor overamped)... I'm not sure if my lights do flicker anymore. I'll have to pay more attention.

[dandyme]

Is it a Trane?

[ivanl3]

What size is it.
What size wire is it.
What is the length of the feed.
Is teh breaker for the OD unit, at or near the top of the panel box.

I'll do my best at answering these questions:

SIZE=4-Ton...Here is the link..http://www.ducanehvac.com/heat_2hp14.asp

Don't know the size of the wire...Feed is not long, maybe 15'-20'.

I am not 100% positive on the breaker question, but here is what I think. It is run to a sub-panel off the main box. This sub-panel is only partially used. The right hand side of the box is about 75% filled, all w/ 20 AMP breakers. The left had side is about 50% used, but has all double breakers. One breaker (the first from the top) that is used is a double 40. I believe that one is the breaker that controls the compressor. Don't shoot me if I don't have all this right, but that is how it looks to me.

[ivanl3]

Is it a Trane?

No, Ducane.

[BigJon3475]

Is the breaker for the OD unit, at or near the top of the panel box.

Is there a effect from it being on the bottom....like power losses from it being on the bottom?

[beenthere]

On a loaded panel box, when the A/C, breaker is on the bottom. The bus drops voltage, and can flicker lights sometimes.

[beenthere]

The sub panel could be over loaded.

Your installer, and possibaly an electrician should check it out.