CARRIER AC WITH A BLOWN FUSE

[@joedillon159]

Your troubleshooting skills are amazing. I’m not an HVAC tech but learn from you and admire your skill and work ethic.

[@mattbloing3125]

Here's a tip. Cut open any blown fuse you have with a tube cutter. If your fuse element is still visible but open in one tiny spot, that indicates an overamp on that leg of power.(i.e. seized fan motor, seized compressor, bad bearings). If the element is completely annihilated inside and not visible at all, that will be a short. Almost always a short to ground. (I.e. wire rubbed out, grounded compressor. 2 minutes to inspect a fuse on a call can zero you in on your problem and make you more $$$$. Stay safe out there fellas

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Thanks bud I will try that!

[@victorglaviano]

Interesting!

[@rayzerot]

Thank you Matt! I'm looking forward to trying this!

[@OhhhhhShittt]

So it zeroes you in on which exact load in the system had issues essentially, then you continue to follow that high voltage leg into the unit and trace where it goes?????

[@josephsantos7047]

Is it bad that every video I watch of yours I fall more and more in love with HVAC, and I haven’t even started school yet. You truly have impacted my life sir

[@brianpiper3188]

Without going into detail, your closing statement was 200% spot on! Another great video, thank you!

[@wannis100]

Hi, great video. everytime I watch your videos I always learn something new. but sometimes you miss the most technical valuable information. thank you.

[@derrickschroepfer9173]

Great catch, impressive troubleshooting technique. An asset to the HVAC community for sure, thanks for the great vids, keep them coming

[@Stansyyy]

This looks like it's somewhere in Ontario, maybe up near Rancho. We watch your vids all the time in my HVAC class. Respect!

[@TedCookHVAC]

Really good video.... people should gain a lot watching the demonstration of skills on your videos.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Thanks Ted!

[@luis4449]

this guy is so safe. i admire it. wish my last job was like this

[@jimmytopete2077]

Learn something new today. I had some issue as you and I’ll definitely be checking the disconnect when I have an issue like this. Thanks

[@phantommetalworks8558]

If you dont have an infrared thermometer or infrared camera and you suspect a poor connection, I like to simply voltage drop test the suspect connection. For example on this testing the line coming in, to the top of that fuse would have had some some voltage drop as long as current was flowing. If you know the amps going through and the volt being dropped you can essentially calculate the watts of heat being generated in the connection by multiplying the two values together. Not trying to sound like a know it all, it just has been a good trick for me. Also I'm not sure though if your field piece meter will do millivolts the finer the measurement so to speak the more meaningful the value. It seems that most HVAC clamp meters only read to the tenth of a volt. Anyway hope that helps someone. Cheers

[@theairconditioningguy]

Great tip! I'd suggest you make a video about it. I'd watch it.

[@rickl7024]

It’s true as I use it on automobile repair,and it does work!!

[@drewsbenmad]

Very good troubleshooting skills, May I add the reason many disconnect switches have this same problem is because we don't lubricate the mechanism inside the switch lever. There is a spring mechanism that snaps those blades back in place to stop blades getting hot from poor connections. You can spray WD40 on this mechanism until it snaps those blades into the proper position. If you don't hear the disconnect snap into place it will need to be lubricated.

[@SixTwoHemi]

Troubleshooting 101 techs take notes...Id love to train under this man excellent work.

[@tyhuffman5447]

Excellent job of troubleshooting with the unit while running or attempting to run. You are correct an IR camera and practice using it for troubleshooting can make it a valuable tool. May be able to troubleshoot circuits using the IR camera. It always easier to use an image to show the customer what’s wrong. What we have found is that the sheaves are what wear out rather than the belt breaking in. It used to be that the belt would break in, now it’s more like the sheaves wear out to accommodate the belt. I use the high speed camera on my cell to better diagnose belt issues. Put a measuring tool behind the belt and it’s easy to measure belt deflection in the high speed footage. Yet another trick I use is to use a dB app on my cell or a proper dB meter to quickly locate the machine with the most mechanical problems. Works in theory 100% in the field about 80% but it is fast and pretty reliable. Also for mechanical problems I have used a vibration app made by some Russian dude, the app is tight other apps are not so much. The humble cell phone is a pretty good troubleshooting tool.

[@jimdamiani1823]

I learn something new on every video you Do! Outstanding work!

[@sashly99]

Your electrical troubleshooting is stellar!! Much respect

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

thanks

[@Eddy63]

I know the young'ens coming up appreciate your knowledge sharing ... Good vid Chris ...

[@matthewgregory8218]

Hello Matthew from Ottawa Ontario I appreciate what you do and for the unit this looks like a new unit

[@actechformallyyomama746]

Their is a recall on those disconnects. From November 19 2015 to January 23 2018. The switch may not close or open properly. Look for a yellow dot on the handle. These have been upgraded. Eaton/ Siemens DH321FRK. Good find on the disconnect issue. I would (didn’t see) checking total amps at disconnect to unit amps. I’ve seen heat contactors and sequencers stick and over amp the fuses. Good job on changing all 3 fuses. The others were stressed when that one blew. You could leave the other 2 there for emergency use.

[@rafaelgomez4304]

Good thorough job, great tip with the disconnect and the temp gun👍🏽

[@leifwinter9666]

Before this video I got an ad about starting a HVAC business in California. They know Mike.

[@Darkassassin09]

Interesting cause. I love watching over the shoulder of a professional at work, I always learn cool things. Keep up the great work man :)

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Thanks bud

[@rivalrepairs]

I would look for a short on all those wires going down from control board through the metal case with no grommets and literally blowing in the wind at like 18:47. Thanks for your videos methodical approach is always nice to watch!

[@donaldmckee585]

The x to c it's something i did not know I like how you went through the whole system thank you

[@a.t.7021]

Appreciate the professionalism....

[@HumanRightsRevolutin]

Awesome awesome tips. I've learned so much in the past month since I found ur channel. God bless u please don't stop making videos.

[@OcRefrig]

Awesome tip with the temp. gun. i am going to use that one.

[@ryanm1975]

Some great information for an apprentice like myself. Thank you. Wish I could run calls with you.

[@willow091]

I have never seen a bad disconnect knife. Very cool,

[@azoutdoors2344]

Nice job out there. Your like me in finding the root cause of the problem in order to prevent a call back. It costs the company much more to return back to a call, rather than just to spend 15 extra minutes or so to look at the system overall. Call backs are always embarrassing as well.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Thanks for watching I will be going live on KZbin this evening 7/1/19 @ 5:PM west coast time to discuss my most recent uploads and answer questions from emails and the chat. Come check it out if you can kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJ2rnJeQiK6dmrc

[@misterfeola9268]

No tangent brother. Kick that knowledge!! Loved it. Thank you

[@mrod72785]

Excellent work, very thorough.

[@mrgreen2646]

I would have liked to see the disconnect replacement still a great video thanks for sharing.

[@JuanTodoli]

75% of techs finish troubleshooting after switching that fuse.

[@TheJordanwright]

Juan Todolí did you just make that number up? Because it looks like you just made that number up

[@Meeks42041]

85%

[@MarcMeal]

@@TheJordanwright 95% of statistics are made up.

[@jamestoy426]

I have learn to just do a a quick pm making sure connections are tight . I recently went to service call at my church where they had new unit installed. I found 2 blown fuses never heard of it . Did my test on all motors checking for grounded motor all checked ok went to the disconnect and started tightening screws on wire the first was loose I got 4 turns out of it. That was my problem. I will now by a laser thermometer and make that part of my pm . Heat video thank you always learn alot

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

I will be going live on KZbin this evening 11/25/19 @ 5:PM (pacific time) to discuss my most recent uploads, and answer questions from email’s , KZbin comments, and the Live chat come on over and check it out if you can. kzbin.infolive

[@20315711978]

Thanks for the vids. Found your troubleshooting skills great and ur are great teacher.

[@sterlingarcher46]

Great vid as usual , Chris 👍. Funny how I do have a laser thermometer but I've never thought of using it to check connections temps ! You've just made my day with that valuable tip , sir , thank you !

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

awesome, I'm glad i could help! thanks for watching

[@leonbogon148]

Nice catch on disconnect!!

[@Andrew-xs4qy]

Nice learned something from this video. Never knew the thermostat was there. Still learning here.

[@OcRefrig]

Good vid. good catch on the fingers not making good contact / not going in all the way. see it before. pretty common problem. alot of times forgotten to check or overlooked. Good reminder here ! Wires Look suspect going into electrical hole in bottom of electrical control panel. wires rubbing bare against sheet metal bare hole. also wires entering motor look suspect. good places to check when slow. i Just did contactors on a unit just like that. those ones look toast too. time to go on those contactors when burning like that. they are cheap. Super important on a 3 phase unit like that to have Good contactors. could be your fuse blowing problem too. i just had a weird contactor problem. weak spring on a contact point set. points flopping around when u tap on the unit.

[@lazerusmfh]

I’d like to see a bit more on what you’re seeing with pressures, like what you’re expecting from that unit vs actual shown and its variance from ideal, etc.

[@lukestrange5501]

Great video. Very thorough. Keep on posting

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Thanks Luke!

[@jeffgrant6914]

Nice repair video 👍

[@MEATZBMX]

Man those condensers could use some lovin'!

[@Zachariahfml]

7/26/19 I was working on a server unit and they had the building power transformer blow up and after it was replaced the server unit didnt come back on, I checked the fuses in the bus bar and 3 of them were bad. I assumed that the transformer blowing up blew the fuses with the power surge. I'm positive it did but I replaced the fuses and the unit started up, ran for 1¹/² to 2 minutes and then, BOOM blew the compressor motor terminals right out of the peckerhead because it was a remote condenser the compressor was in the building and leaked refrigerant right into the building. If I would've taken the extra time to ohm out the compressor I probably could've avoided catastrophic failure of the compressor. I was just in a rush, they were needing cooling for the server racks and they had a recent history of blowing fuses and I think it was an onset symptom and byproduct of dirty/surging power from the transformer that was in its stages of failure and totally failed earlier that day. Some times that extra step is critical it may be the end of the day on friday and they need cooling but try to go in with an open mind even if you know the history of equipment and take your time to save yourself and your customer the hassle

[@andrewedis9907]

At least you've learned to check each time now. 😏 I've made a few large bangs myself. For example I'm British and as a younglings I installed some Air Conditioning but the incoming power wiring diagram was in German and included the position of the control wires. I switched on for the 1st time and the PCB exploded because id accidentally wired 240V direct to the wrong board terminal.

[@goldhammer561]

Keep the videos coming. Your videos are interesting and informative. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@scottytomcat4267]

Absolutely fantastic job

[@dantx4545]

That's good work a lot of people would just throw in another fuse and then turn the power on hope for the best possibly causing more damage good thinking !

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Thanks bud

[@azoutdoors2344]

I remember my first summer (2004) as an HVAC Service Tech. I found those Carrier package units with the doubled up condenser coils plugged up with cotton from Cottonwood trees. It was a royal pain in the ass to clean. This was at the Lake Elsinore Outlets. Yesterday, in Sedona, Arizona I found a Ruud gas pack with a microchannel condenser coil plugged up by Cottonwood trees. That was much easier to clean. All I did was took a soft bristle brush brushed the loose stuff away, and then washed the condenser coil from the inside out. I'm not a fan of the doubled up condenser coil design.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Funny I just drove by the Elsinore outlets and noticed the coils were all plugged up with that crap...

[@azoutdoors2344]

@@HVACRVIDEOSDo they still have those same Carrier units up there?

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

no they are changing them out to trane units, Thanks for watching I will be going live on KZbin this evening 7/1/19 @ 5:PM west coast time to discuss my most recent uploads and answer questions from emails and the chat. Come check it out if you can kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJ2rnJeQiK6dmrc

[@TechnicalLee]

You should really get a non-contact voltage tester! It's a lot faster than using your volt meter to check if something is dead (and more accurate because it doesn't depend on making good contact with terminals and ground). It literally takes one second to scan a disconnect to see if it's dead. Depending on the spacing, you might be able to scan over the three phase legs and determine if one is dead without using your meter. I recommend the Klein Tools NCVT-2 model. It has a dual range that allows you detect if you have 24VAC on wires as well, so you can see if your transformer is working and what the thermostat is calling for if the wires are spaced apart on a terminal block. Love mine, use it whenever I work on any electrical.

[@OcRefrig]

i Love mine too ! But, it will NEVER Replace a meter. But has some awesome uses as u say. its kind of like a Detector detecting if electricity is in a wire only by holding it above the wire. they are definately cool.

[@davejohnsonnola7908]

"Speed kills". I have the same tool, it has its place and use, but I am not trusting my life with it.

[@SombraLocs]

Great troubleshooting!

[@jangoofy]

Nice work, might be worth mentioning that the temperature and/or voltage drop comparison relies on each phase is loaded about the same. Since it had 3 phase supply I *guess* it probably have a 3 phase motors / compressors.

[@Evergreen64]

"This one has the hidden condenser". At least it's not the one with the "invisible" condenser. Those are damn hard to replace.

[@joevinski1]

Haven’t even watched the video and I know it’s amazing great job Chris!!!!

[@Nateone626]

Very thorough bro! 👍🏽

[@zacharypalczynski8450]

Skills homie , good job

[@Blackwolfster]

I cringed a little when you reached in to push the new fuse in the holder while holding the earthed metal framework with your other hand. Keep clear of earthed metal and good boots, also electrical glove would of been a very good idea with a leather outer. If that disconnect failed or a dag of wire connected that line to a fuse holder... I am alive today because I always use the one hand in the pocket rule around live circuits.

[@joemartinez7619]

Sweat ; gloves wet from sweat ; moisture from sweat.

[@angelamazza9417]

The only thing I worry about is you do not use lockout / tag out procedures. I know its time consuming. Other than that, you are really an excellent technician. I enjoy your video's.

[@HVACRNorth]

good job bud. I know someones who is really good at changing fuses(mike) haha...have to say you are just as good.

[@jameswasher3938]

Another fantastic video. One question/comment. You obviously went somewhere (to a breaker panel) and shut off power to the rooftop disconnect, however.... you didn't mention anything about a lockout/tagout. Did you do a lock-out (fixed auto-correct mistake)? I hope so. No telling when someone might happen by and light up a breaker. Be safe and keep these great videos coming.

[@stevenmoomey2115]

To the Public, the 3 Phase Compressors and Evaporator Motor have a Hot Leg all the time, the Contactors are all Two Pole, the third pole goes directly from the Disconnect to the Motors. I always hated that, and think it should be prohibited.

[@Worstenboer]

In the EU it is forbidden now

[@stevenmoomey2115]

@@Worstenboer Glad to hear that, hopefully they will make it illegal in the US. I got lit up from a unit, Evap. Fan went to ground, units ground wire had vibrated loose.

[@winkhvac62]

Great video.

[@rudyolea8824]

Hands Down Brother!!! 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

[@ax9924]

You're a bad bad man👍🏿

[@adamwarlock7158]

Im surprised that the facility engineer didnt know which one was the bad unit. Im not surprised

[@OcRefrig]

me neither. facilities guys are hit or miss. some got it together, some not so much / dont care.

[@FlyEaglesFly19111]

Just started video.. blown fuse..what motor is bad.. compressor or fan motor..usually on 3 phase the compressor or wiring causes bad blown fuses.

[@theairconditioningguy]

13:19 Thank you for this tip!

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Thanks for watching!

[@rocker8692]

how did you turn off incoming power to fuse box?I thought that was always hot on one side?

[@russell4309]

👍 what kinds of wiring practices do you use for the 6-8 awg wires like in this unit when you have to make repairs? Do you use special crimp tools and connectors like how they come from the factory?

[@RubenKelevra]

15:29 you overlooked a clear hint for a heat issue: Take a look at the wires. The heat melted the outer part of the isolation on wire 1 and 2.

[@coolezum]

Sometimes you can just bend the switch poles slightly to get better contact, at least temporary until you get new disco. Good procedures you ran though, peace.

[@RubenKelevra]

In Germany, a similar type of fuses is only used to protect 3 phase resettable fuses like to each apartment on the distribution box with the meters etc. They are commonly referred to as "Panzersicherung" (Battle tank-Fuse) in English they are called HRC fuse. I've never seen round fuses here anywhere - are they still legal in the US for new installations? :)

[@royamberg9177]

Those disconnect knives need to be lubed along with the mechanical linkage

[@MrAnderson3]

Love your videos brother! One thing though, could Line 1 also be hotter because it's taking more load? I usually come across units where L1 is jam packed leaving 2 & 3 running at lower capacity..

[@hilariosiller9944]

Looks like the CLO's have been bypassed.

[@sighpocket5]

Nice!!!!( do you ever use fin combs?)

[@natepeterson7145]

Why don't you like the thermal imager, was wondering because I was thinking about getting one is it the cost vs the laser temp gun not worth it in over all beneficial?

[@buixote]

Would you ever do a voltage-drop on the main disconnect instead of thermal diagnosis?

[@benjamincrall8065]

After replacing fuses, you said no resistance, but wouldn't that mean 0 ohms direct short, not no continuity?

[@gregparker8349]

Benjamin Crall I think he meant to say there’s infinite resistance to ground and each leg

[@maxismith8865]

you did a good job!

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Thanks

[@rj.parker]

What is cloth you are wearing over your head that is large enough to cover your shoulders?

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

It will cover my neck but not my shoulders, but they make a giant one that will cover everything here is the link amzn.to/2WVzfOI

[@rj.parker]

Rather have a smaller version like you have. Is it the Mission Enduracool Instant Cooling TechKnit Hoodie? www.amazon.com/Mission-Enduracool-Techknit-Cooling-Hoodie/dp/B00BP570Z2/ref=asc_df_B00BP570Z2/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312799574135&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5530049148997365801&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028024&hvtargid=pla-426042491438&psc=1

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

So this is the one I use amzn.to/2Xt7D85

[@FlyEaglesFly19111]

Carrier.. splitting coils to clean them..just soooooo much fun

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Said no one ever............:-)

[@FlyEaglesFly19111]

Right..and customers are like ..what do you mean it costs more????

[@Brutis-1983]

FLY EAGLES FLY Bleed Green Tranes are fun to split also.

[@ingktkikker]

it must be so cool to work with such a beautifull vieuw!

[@Akvan79]

Did you check the compressor to see if they were shorted or had bad windings? You didn’t mention that in the video. But all in all great video

[@jaymesrod4209]

Chris, im curious to know when you get a call. Do you go in your head what the problem may be. Or do you always start from number 1 on your troubleshooting guide, even if the problem is apparent when you arrive.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

A little bit of both, I try not to overthink it before I get there

[@akhermit5213]

It is difficult to keep an open mind in this field. As technicians, we tend to run hundreds of scenarios through our heads on the way to a call. If we get over excited, we can actually overlook the obvious because our mind has already passed that and we are looking for more technical issues. "Can't see the forest for the trees" is the old saying. As I tell every technician, electrical - follow the power, it flows like water. Refrigeration - follow the flow. Air - follow the wind. Customers are my biggest resource. I ask them what it is or is not doing. If it is a piece of equipment that I have never seen before, I ask the customer "What is it?" "What is it supposed to do?" "What is it not doing?" It gives me a feel for what i am looking for, and most customers appreciate the interaction. It is a constant learning experience. My curiosity is my biggest asset, which makes me really good at troubleshooting. I get no satisfaction by throwing parts at something. I need to find the source of the problem, and when i do it makes my day.

[@hvacshinobi8047]

Do you have a link for the tool you used to pull the fuses thanks.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

amzn.to/2N6ZQJ2

[@embreesmith7613]

WHEN IN DOUBT, JUMP IT OUT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

[@OcRefrig]

just make sure u check for shorts to ground first. then have at it.

[@engineer1793]

Weather master carrier units. I have a lot of these at the buildings I work on

[@chris34963]

What was the reason for the fuse to go out ? A) old discount B) was amp drawn C) something else

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

The disconnect switch was not making good contact and causing an overamp situation.

[@chris34963]

What made it do that ?

[@angel2588nba]

Great video thanks alot

[@MexBytes]

Chris my Property has one of those Carrier Units just like that and my Fans are not coming on but the compressors are coming on, I checked the Capacitor and the Readings are good.I checked if Fans are spinning so there not stuck in case the motor was bad I’m not a pro so maybe I’m missing something Any Ideas?

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Outdoor fan motor relay bad??

[@abdorakeebnaji1527]

I'm new in the field and i had service call for an ac top unit carrier system R22 and the reading on the hi side was too hi 450ps and the low side was hi too almost over 200 psi. I couldn't find out why..can you please tell me what was the problem...thanks

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Sounds overcharged

[@johnhershey4010]

Have you work on air conditioner that has 480v

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Yes

[@johnhershey4010]

@@HVACRVIDEOS wow that's a lot of power. 480v 3ph. Glad Thay don't make them higher as 600v or more on 3ph.

[@marioalfaro8098]

I find this very helpfull.

[@apophis2042]

I'm about to start a HVAC apprenticeship...how should I prepare myself for the field?

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Just be ready to learn, take the time to ask lots of questions.

[@lcampm2]

why change all 3 fuses? great find on the disconnect

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Always a good idea because the other fuses could have been damaged when the 1st one blew

[@rta2397]

Good vid Please do trane voyager

[@joseluisg.gonzalez6307]

learned a lot thank you

[@michaelhaiden6718]

You did not check the lugs

[@akhermit5213]

If he is as anal as i am about electrical, he probably did.

[@memyselfandifarmer]

? Its June, your company does monthly maintenance, why are the condensers so dirty?

[@OcRefrig]

You caught him. ouch. Yea, All condensers should be clean by now. Pre- summer Maint. should have been all done by now. all those contactors should be pre- summer fresh by now.

[@davejohnsonnola7908]

I'm guessing maintenance is on the f&b restaurant equipment. Rooftop equipment may be different ownership.

[@sterlingarcher46]

Dude , chill out , mate . I have some carrier chillers where , even if you cleaned them each month , and they're an absolute pain to clean , mind you , they'd still be dirty , because of the environment they're in . Plus , I very much doubt his customer is ready to pay for the number of hours it would take to clean them regularly. We're HVAC an ref engineers , so , let's chill . ( Very very cheesy pun intended , unfortunately ).