Tristan Basic Electrical Theory July 11, 2022, 11:26 pm - HVAC School

Search In:

Event Videos Tech Tips Apps Books Podcasts Users

HVAC Feed
Resources
Content
Courses
Events
Jobs
- Create a Job Post
- Job Posts
Shop
Partners

Search In:

Event Videos Tech Tips Apps Books Podcasts Users

+

Chinese (Simplified)

Get Tech Tips

Subscribe to free tech tips.

BACK

Tristan Basic Electrical Theory July 11, 2022, 11:26 pm

July 12, 2022

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Share this Tech Tip:

Check out our most recent video

How to Evacuate an AC system, Full Vacuum Procedure

Our latest Podcast

HVAC School – For Techs, By Techs

HVAC School – For Techs, By Techs

Real training for HVAC ( Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) Technicians. Including recorded tech training, interviews, diagnostics and general conversations about the trade.

Audio Player

Locked Compressor Mistakes w/ Bert

HVAC School – For Techs, By Techs

Locked Compressor Mistakes w/ Bert

In this informative HVAC podcast episode, Bryan and Bert dive deep into the complex world of locked and internal overload compressors, focusing specifically on single-phase[...]

0.8
1
1.2
1.5
2

Facebook
Twitter
Linkedin
Copy episode link Copied
Download

00:00

32:08

Locked Compressor Mistakes w/ Bert

byBryan Orr

In this informative HVAC podcast episode, Bryan and Bert dive deep into the complex world of locked and internal overload compressors, focusing specifically on single-phase residential units. The discussion begins with Bert explaining one of the most common challenges technicians face: diagnosing a locked compressor. He describes how compressors that are locked will typically run for only a second before overheating and stopping, creating a cycle that can be difficult to detect if technicians aren’t carefully monitoring at the right moment.

The hosts share personal experiences and practical diagnostic techniques, with Bert recounting how he once simulated a locked compressor by cutting the start winding wire and concealing it beneath other wires and zip ties. This demonstration highlights the importance of thorough inspection, including checking terminal connections. Bryan shares a story from his early career when he mistakenly condemned a compressor with damaged terminals, not knowing about terminal repair kits – a candid moment that illustrates how even experienced technicians continue to learn throughout their careers.

A significant portion of the podcast is dedicated to explaining the electrical fundamentals of compressor operation, including an enlightening discussion about start windings, run windings, and common connections. Bryan passionately clarifies misconceptions about current flow through these different windings, explaining that the start winding actually has consistently lower amperage due to its connection through a capacitor. The hosts also detail the critical differences between a compressor that’s overheating versus one that’s truly locked, emphasizing that the physical temperature of the compressor often provides the key diagnostic clue.

Key Topics Covered:

· How to identify a locked compressor versus one that’s out on internal overload

· The importance of checking terminal connections and wire continuity

· Why compressors that are truly locked don’t have time to physically overheat

· Common causes of compressor overheating: condenser fan failure, refrigerant issues, airflow problems

· The proper diagnostic method for catching a locked compressor “in the act”

· The mechanics of start windings versus run windings and their amperage differences

· When and how to use hard start kits appropriately (and why they shouldn’t be used universally)

· How to communicate with customers when diagnosing compressor issues

· The role of crankcase heaters in preventing flooded starts

· Terminal repair techniques and when they’re appropriate

Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.

Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium.

Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android

Search Episodes

Locked Compressor Mistakes w/ Bert

05/29/2025

Bryan Orr

When 0V Isn’t Safe – Short #242

05/27/2025

Bryan Orr

Compressor Ohm Mistakes w/ Bert

05/22/2025

Bryan Orr

Motor Ambient Rating – Short #241

05/20/2025

Bryan Orr

Superheat Talk w/ JD Kelly

05/15/2025

Bryan Orr

How to Deal w/ Too Much – Short #240

05/13/2025

Bryan Orr

Delta T Talk w/ JD Kelly

05/08/2025

Bryan Orr

Fire Sprinklers – Short #239

05/06/2025

Bryan Orr

The PATH to High Performance HVAC w/ David Richardson

05/01/2025

Bryan Orr

Estimating Tips and Software

04/30/2025

Bryan Orr

Search Results placeholder

Check our latest Tech Tips

Discovering Mental Reference Points Three Levels of Acid Testing C stands for "Common Mistake"

Nylog Blue Gasket -Thread Sealant for AC/R Systems

Nylog Blue Gasket -Thread Sealant for AC/R Systems
One drop of Nylog on your rubber hose gaskets prior to attaching your core tools, hoses or vacuum gauge will assure that things do not bind or leak during evacuation. Derived from refrigeration grade lubricants. Non-hardening, non-drying fluid which bonds tenaciously to many different substrates. Typically, one drop of Nylog can be stretched about three feet before breaking.

VENOM PACK CONDENSER PURE CONCENTRATE COIL CLEANER

VENOM PACK CONDENSER PURE CONCENTRATE COIL CLEANER
Venom Pack Condenser Cleaner is a high foaming pure concentrate liquid designed to tackle the toughest soils. The proprietary blend of specialty detergents will liquify heavily embedded grease and grime to restore heat transfer and increase the efficiency of the coil.

Viper Condensate Pan and Drain Treatment

Viper Condensate Pan and Drain Treatment
Viper Condensate Pan and Drain Treatment is a sprayable gel. It coats the pan, p-trap and drain piping with a lubricative film to improve flow and prevent future soil adhesion. The slow dissolving enzyme gel will outperform and outlast conventional tablets and strips.

Nylog Blue Gasket -Thread Sealant for AC/R Systems

Nylog Blue Gasket -Thread Sealant for AC/R Systems
One drop of Nylog on your rubber hose gaskets prior to attaching your core tools, hoses or vacuum gauge will assure that things do not bind or leak during evacuation. Derived from refrigeration grade lubricants. Non-hardening, non-drying fluid which bonds tenaciously to many different substrates. Typically, one drop of Nylog can be stretched about three feet before breaking.

VENOM PACK CONDENSER PURE CONCENTRATE COIL CLEANER

VENOM PACK CONDENSER PURE CONCENTRATE COIL CLEANER
Venom Pack Condenser Cleaner is a high foaming pure concentrate liquid designed to tackle the toughest soils. The proprietary blend of specialty detergents will liquify heavily embedded grease and grime to restore heat transfer and increase the efficiency of the coil.

Viper Condensate Pan and Drain Treatment

Viper Condensate Pan and Drain Treatment
Viper Condensate Pan and Drain Treatment is a sprayable gel. It coats the pan, p-trap and drain piping with a lubricative film to improve flow and prevent future soil adhesion. The slow dissolving enzyme gel will outperform and outlast conventional tablets and strips.

Nylog Blue Gasket -Thread Sealant for AC/R Systems

Nylog Blue Gasket -Thread Sealant for AC/R Systems
One drop of Nylog on your rubber hose gaskets prior to attaching your core tools, hoses or vacuum gauge will assure that things do not bind or leak during evacuation. Derived from refrigeration grade lubricants. Non-hardening, non-drying fluid which bonds tenaciously to many different substrates. Typically, one drop of Nylog can be stretched about three feet before breaking.

NAVAC

FROM AUGUST 2024 TO MARCH 2025 BUY NAVAC TOOLS FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A MOTORCYCLE! Any purchase of NAVAC HVAC Tools is eligible to gain entries for a Grand Prize of a Harley Davidson motorcycle.

NAVAC

Find out more about the Innovative NAVAC line of Vacuum Pumps

NAVAC

FROM AUGUST 2024 TO MARCH 2025 BUY NAVAC TOOLS FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A MOTORCYCLE! Any purchase of NAVAC HVAC Tools is eligible to gain entries for a Grand Prize of a Harley Davidson motorcycle.

NAVAC

Find out more about the Innovative NAVAC line of Vacuum Pumps

NAVAC

FROM AUGUST 2024 TO MARCH 2025 BUY NAVAC TOOLS FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A MOTORCYCLE! Any purchase of NAVAC HVAC Tools is eligible to gain entries for a Grand Prize of a Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Comments

To leave a comment, you need to log in.

Related Tech Tips

What You Need to Know About Microchannel Read more

Common Concrete Anchor Fails Read more

Condenser Fan Blade Placement Read more

loading

To continue you need to agree to our terms.

Terms and Conditions

The HVAC School site, podcast and tech tips
made possible by generous support from

Interested in a HVAC Career?

Find A local trade school

Resources

Calculators
Tool list
Apps
Great Books
Software and Business
Other Resources we like
Unconformed

Content

Start
Podcasts
Videos
Social Media
Tech Tips
Quizzes
Courses

Events

6th Annual HVAC/R Training Symposium
Upcoming Events
Create an Event
Event Partnership

Jobs

Job Posts
Create a Job Post

Partners

Partners
Carrier
Copeland (Emerson)
Fieldpiece
NAVAC
Refrigeration Technologies
Santa Fe

Get Tech Tips

Subscribe to free tech tips

Email Address

First Name

Terms and conditions & Privacy Policy
EULA
Reuse License

©2025 - HVAC School | All rights reserved