Testing the Motor

As a Utilitiesman, you should be able to make voltage measurements in a refrigeration system to ensure the proper voltage is applied to the drive motor, as shown on the rating plate of the motor. If the proper voltage is applied (within 10 percent) to the terminals of the motor and yet it does not run, you must decide what to do. If it is an open system (not hermetically sealed), it is the Construction Electrician's job to repair the motor. If it is a hermetically sealed unit, however, you must use special test equipment to complete further tests and perhaps make the unit operational again.

If the unit doesn't run, it may be because the motor rotor or compressor crankshaft is stuck (remember, in a hermetically sealed unit, they are one and the same). If you apply electrical power to try and move the motor in the correct direction first and then reverse the power, you may be able to rock it free and not have to replace the unit. This is one of the purposes of the hermetic unit analyzer (fig. 6-63). To rock the rotor of an hermetically sealed unit, follow these steps:

1. Determine from the manufacturer's manual whether the motor is a split-phase or a capacitor- start type.

2. Remove any external wiring from the motor terminals.

Figure 6-63. - Hermetic unit analyzer.

3. Place the analyzer plugs in the jacks of the same color. If a split-phase motor is used, put the red plug in jack No. 3; if the capacitor-start motor is used, put the red plug in jack No. 4; and select a capacity value close to the old one with the toggle switches.

4. Connect the test clips as follows:

White to common

Black to the running winding

Red to the starting winding

5. Hold the push-to-start button down and at the same time move the handle of the rocker switch from normal to reverse. The frequency of rocking should not exceed five times within a 15-second period. If the motor starts, be certain that the rocker switch is in the normal position before releasing the push-to-start button.

6. More tests can be made with the hermetic unit analyzer, such as testing for continuity of windings and for grounded windings. Procedures for these tests are provided in the manual that comes with the analyzer. Generally, if the rocking procedure does not result in a free and running motor, the unit must be replaced.

TROUBLESHOOTING REFRIGERATION EQUIPMENT

Troubleshooting of any type of refrigeration unit depends, in part, on your ability to compare normal operation with that obtained from the unit being operated. Obviously for you to detect these abnormal operations, you must first know what normal operation is. Climate affects running time. A refrigeration unit generally operates more efficiently in a dry climate. In an ambient temperature of 75F, the running period usually approximates 2 to 4 minutes, and the off period, 12 to 20 minutes.

It is beyond the scope of this text to cover all of the troubles you may encounter in working with refrigeration equipment. If you apply yourself, you can acquire a lot of additional information through on-the-job training and experience and studying the manufacturer's instruction manuals.

First and foremost, safety must be stressed and safe operating practices followed before and while doing any troubleshooting or service work. All local and