Diagnosing a Locked Compressor 3D

Topics covered include:

• The internal components of a compressor
• Refrigerant-cooled compressors
• What causes a compressor to lock up
• Operational overheating vs. overheated windings
• Diagnostic steps
• Thoroughly inspecting electrical components
• Checking voltage
• Verifying proper wiring
• Testing the run capacitor
• Using hard start kits to attempt to unlock compressors
• The operation of potential relays and start capacitors
• Soft start vs hard start compressor starting

Even if adding a hard start gets the compressor running again, there may still be an underlying issue that initially caused it to lock up. Proper diagnosis and communication with the customer is key. This 3D animation provides HVAC technicians critical knowledge for troubleshooting locked compressors in the field.