We have no A/C!

[nightranger121]

A little background on this call... Went here for a PM/startups. This unit had a bad LPCO. The way the contract was set up, NO repairs can be made on a PM without authorization. So, I noted it and left it (it wasn't warm enough to need it yet, anyway). Apparently, the tenant (a weight loss center) needed the cooling anyway (understandably). Since we are hired by the bldg. owner and not the tenants, they didn't know we were their service company, and called someone else. The landlord showed up while they were there, and kicked them out not thinking anything of it. Then we get an emergency call for A/C. This is what I found, only expecting to be replacing a LPCO, and having no idea another Co. had been out here. The funny part is, they had the transformer ripped out, and all the other wiring disconnected. What a mess. Got some nice overtime, though since I was sent at the end of the day, and it was supposed to be a quick fix. Had to rewire most of it, using a washed out, illegible wiring diagram.

[beenthere]

So where are the pics.

[nightranger121]

(Pic didn't come thru 1st time)

[nightranger121]

So where are the pics.

Don't worry... I wasn't trying to take you "around the world" again.

[beenthere]

Did the landlord catch them trying to fix it.
Or trying to strip it.

[nightranger121]

Trying to fix it, I guess.... but I don't understand why they had the transformer and half of the wiring out when all it needed was a LPCO. Apparently they had no clue where to start troubleshooting it, and just started replacing stuff randomly.

[reepersteve]

Did it take you back to a/c basics? It is a transformer. Wire it and begone.

[MichaelPaladin]

looks like they bad the blower motor off as well. Seen it in the lower right hand corner.

[nightranger121]

looks like they bad the blower motor off as well. Seen it in the lower right hand corner.

I didn't realize that was in the pic... we actually had that off because we had to replace the mount while we were there, too. My helper was working on that (his knee is in the pic, too) while I was working on the other mess.

[beenthere]

For some reason. Lots of guys don't think to check for safeties being open. They just start replacing any thing electrical that is in sight.

[matticus]

LPCO? low pressure control something?

[nightranger121]

LPCO? low pressure control something?

Low Pressure Cut Out

[Mr Chesapeake]

That transformer hanging there looks like the transformer bandit struck that unit. You'd be surprised how many of those I see hanging by their wires when I open up an air handler or some other...

[madcitysw]

Better Yet, why so many transformers on the unit?

[nightranger121]

Yep- I know what you mean... it's rediculous

[nightranger121]

Better Yet, why so many transformers on the unit?

From what I could tell, they thought the transformer was bad, replaced it. Didn't get 24volts, tried another one. I presume this because the unit had 208 service, but the 240 wires were stripped on both replacement transformers.

[bgb]

looks like it may be time for a new unit:

[beenthere]

Cause sooner or later, one of these here transformers will wotk.

[Mikeylikesit]

From what I could tell, they thought the transformer was bad, replaced it. Didn't get 24volts, tried another one. I presume this because the unit had 208 service, but the 240 wires were stripped on both replacement transformers.

240, 208................ah, close enough.


those guys work in SoCAL? I had a similar circumstance.......

[nightranger121]

looks like it may be time for a new unit:

Pretty soon... it's the only one left from the originals- all the others have been replaced already (6). Now that it's all squared away, I think this one's got another few years left in it (maybe). They don't run very often here... they're only occupied for a few hours a day.