Troubleshooting Challenge: A Tavern Owner's Request for a Second Opinion

Figure 1. (Click on the image for an enlarged view.)

This month’s troubleshooting situation involves an under-counter refrigeration unit in a commercial application - a small, two-door side-by-side unit that allows for beverage storage in the right side compartment, and a small quantity of frozen items in the left side compartment. The customer’s original request for service reported that both sections of the unit were warm.

This unit is compact, built-in under the counter, and difficult to access. The first technician to respond to this situation told the tavern owner that he was familiar with common failures of this unique equipment, and after a quick look and observation of the operation of the unit (no meter tests), he explained to the customer that the compressor needed to be replaced and that he would have to order the necessary parts.

After the technician left, the customer called the office to request a second opinion. When you arrive, you also determine that this unit employs a PSC-operated hermetic compressor, fan-cooled condenser, and an evaporator fan motor and defrost system to maintain temperature and airflow. And, like the first technician, you determine quickly that air is circulating both inside and under the cabinet, and that the compressor isn’t starting. Figure 1 shows you the basic compressor wiring configuration you see after making sure the power supply is off, removing the necessary access panels, setting up a work light, and removing the cover over the PTC (positive temperature coefficient) relay and overload assembly.

Figure 2. (Click on the image for an enlarged view.)

Since you find no visual evidence of wiring or component failure, you remove the start components and use an ohmmeter to test the compressor. A schematic of the motor and the terminal connections are shown in Figure 2.

Your results are:

1. From C to S, 6 ohms.

2. From S to R, infinity.

3. From C to R, infinity.

Your troubleshooting question: Have you confirmed the first technician’s diagnosis, or will you be advising the customer that the repair procedures will change?

Compare your answer with ours by clicking on the PDF link below.

For information on Jim Johnson’s HVACR technician training DVDs, go to www.technicaltrainingassoc.com/HVACRVideoStart.htm.

Publication date: 05/09/2011

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May Troubleshooting Answer

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Jim Johnson is the director of training for Technical Training Associates, a Tucson, Ariz.-based firm that provides HVACR technician training DVDs/videos, E-books, and workshops. For more information, call 520-625-6847 or visit www.techtrainassoc.com.