Learn refrigeration

Most small to medium refrigeration systems use hermetic compressors.   This type of compressor is basically an electrical motor / pump in cased within a metal shell.  The motors are not really designed to be worked on and if the compressor becomes damaged its common to replace rather than repair. 

Because the compressor is the most expensive part of the system correct diagnosis of a faulty compressor is important.

The typical compressor has two pipes entering into it, welded to create an air tight seal. 

The thicker pipe is known as the suction pipe which leads from the evaporator and is located in the low pressure side of the system.

The other pipe is smaller in diameter and leads into the high pressure section of the system,  This is commonly known as the discharge or hot line Pipe.

 

 

 

 

Both pipes are usually made of copper or steel and the refrigeration pipes are best soldered into them to create an air tight seal..

Hermetic compressors usually have a label or tag giving information on its specification. 

Typical information will Include:
* – Model (manufacturer and model number)
* – Horse Power  (Identifiable power of the motor)
* – Voltage required (Vac) (voltage required to run the compressor) 
* – HZ or Hertz (number of hertz required to run the motor, ) 
* – Rated Load Amperes (RLA) (64.1% of the maximum load current)
* – LOCKED ROTOR AMPERES (LRA) This is the maximum current draw when the motor is in a locked position and it is not capable for it to operate at all because the rotor is locked and unable to move.