High amp draw on scroll compressor

**dave1234** · 08-20-2009, 06:22 PM

I just recentley replaced a scroll compressor (copeland zr18c something) on an Aaon rtu that had a grounded winding. The max operating amp draw is 15A per comp data tag. I draw consitentley 16-16.5 A across all 3 legs. Voltage to the compressor is good, I changed the contactor as well as filter drier, pressures are good around 68 psi back with 18* superheat (I know 18* SH is a little on the high side but there's a consitant load on the system as it serves a large pool area.). Fan cycling for head pressure control keeps it around 225 psi. I weighed in exactley the right charge, and used virgin 22. EVERY connection is tight and I even ohmed out the wires. I have no idea why I have such high amp draw. The second stg comp in the same unit draws around 10A as do both comps in the rtu right next to it serving the same area. I suppose I could just have a tight motor, dunno. Just looking for any input.

**FlewtheCoop** · 08-20-2009, 06:40 PM

Tight motor, imperfection on the rotor resulting in higher friction. Who knows. Is it the digital modulating compressor?

**dave1234** · 08-20-2009, 07:14 PM

Originally Posted by FlewtheCoop

Tight motor, imperfection on the rotor resulting in higher friction. Who knows. Is it the digital modulating compressor?

No. Don't think ive seen that.

**TripleA** · 08-20-2009, 08:00 PM

Few questions, Voltage is "good" what voltage is the unit, and what voltage do you actually have? Fan cycling on aaon RTU's run head pressure around 225-260 or so, but when the head pressure is in the 225 range are you still getting 16A? Is the high amp draw when both stages have been running together for a while or only when the #1 comp is running?

**duke of earl** · 08-20-2009, 10:48 PM

Aaon probably got the tag wrong. I see it all the time cause I do their startups. Don't sweat it if the compressor is running good.

**dave1234** · 08-21-2009, 09:49 PM

Voltage is 460. Across each leg is around 468/465. Amp draw is high when both stages or just the first stage is running. The max operating rating is on the compressor itself and there are 3 identical withing the proximity and all draw around 10A under load. I think the motor might be tight.

**cletus31** · 08-22-2009, 02:51 AM

get with copeland leftovers1tech support and ask what the windings should ohm to may have a winding trying to go to ground

**DeltaT** · 08-22-2009, 02:39 PM

When you picked up this three phase comperssor you should have received a start & test checking form. In this you are required to measure the differences in voltage to each leg. If out of balance by 5% or 10%, I don't remember which but I think it's 5%, then the motor will run too hot which will end up drawing higher then listed amps.

Eventually the motor will overheat and cut out on thermals. Check with the manufacturer for these voltage difference figures and make sure the units power source is within those balance range or another compressor failure will take place.

**thump_rrr** · 08-23-2009, 04:40 AM

Being that the pressures are right it doesn't seem possible that it's an improper rotation issue but for those not used to working on 3 phase scroll compressors should read on.

3 phase scroll compressors can only run in one direction.
You can tell when it's running in the wrong direction by the metalic sound it makes and by the higher amp draw.
Reverse the rotation by switching around any 2 wires and check amperage again.
I bump start it for the first time and can tell right away from the sound if it's right.

**TripleA** · 08-23-2009, 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by thump_rrr

Being that the pressures are right it doesn't seem possible that it's an improper rotation issue but for those not used to working on 3 phase scroll compressors should read on.

3 phase scroll compressors can only run in one direction.
You can tell when it's running in the wrong direction by the metalic sound it makes and by the higher amp draw.
Reverse the rotation by switching around any 2 wires and check amperage again.
I bump start it for the first time and can tell right away from the sound if it's right.

If it wasn't running the right way he would be telling us it fried after a few minutes and he didn't know why.

**dave1234** · 08-23-2009, 02:58 PM

Comp is diffenatley rotating the right way. Voltage available to the unit is balanced or else id have the same problem with the 2nd stg comp of the same unit, or at least i think i would.

**BFG6868** · 08-23-2009, 09:13 PM

since this is a replacement compressor the Rotation may be wrong even if the other compressor is correct.

**TripleA** · 08-24-2009, 09:44 PM

Originally Posted by BFG6868

since this is a replacement compressor the Rotation may be wrong even if the other compressor is correct.

He said his pressures were about right, if the rotation was wrong:

1- The compressor most likely would be dead from running more than a short amount of time.

2-The pressures would not be correct, back pressure would not fall into range with head pressure rising into range.

3-The absurd noise would cause the tech to at least wonder and mention it in his post.

I think that it is definately running the correct way. But--

That said I would talk to copeland Tech line and see what they can offer.

Thread: High amp draw on scroll compressor

Thread Tools

Search Thread

Display

High amp draw on scroll compressor

ohms

Posting Permissions