How to check the windings of a refrigeration compressor

[@andrewmack5146]

Well done you would be amazed how many engineers do not know this and how to check a compressor

[@javeedhvactechnician7760]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaKUgK2ChKhroJosi=vh-JehxyvRl1Ad_y

[@doncocorote1]

I have learned more with your videos than school. Thanks 🙏🏼

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@javeedhvactechnician7760]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaKUgK2ChKhroJosi=vh-JehxyvRl1Ad_y

[@MrBlaklip]

I really appreciate your simplicity along with a visual of your meter readings

[@javeedhvactechnician7760]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaKUgK2ChKhroJosi=vh-JehxyvRl1Ad_y

[@yongminhuh5605]

You're so right! This ac hasn't been used for 20 years. I finally got it started it worked for 10 to 15 seconds, and then there were arching and fire burning of dead bugs, spider web and dried grass, etc.... I shut breaker off, and waited for 5 mins and then restarted it worked a several seconds there again arching and burnt rest of those stuffs. And then it finally died. I restarted again now just humming bird. I gave a closer look at contactor there are metal burnt color. I guess I have to replace contactor. Thanks!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@grayfurnaceman]

Yes. When the 2 windings are read in series (R to S), they should read the total of R to C and S to C. Hope this helps. GFM

[@christiand.6112]

grayfurnaceman What if you have 2.1 between common and run and 2.3 between common and start but only have 3.2 between start and run? Shouldn't I have 4.4 between start and run?

[@arnelespena5469]

Thanks for the upload of this video. I learned a lot!

[@javeedhvactechnician7760]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaKUgK2ChKhroJosi=vh-JehxyvRl1Ad_y

[@grayfurnaceman]

OL means there is no continuity. Windings should have continuity from one end to the other. Windings should not have continuity to the body of the compressor. Hope this helps. GFM

[@javeedhvactechnician7760]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaKUgK2ChKhroJosi=vh-JehxyvRl1Ad_y

[@SamsFootballFreestyle]

nice video man good tutorial even ppl who dont understand can understand this video

[@javeedhvactechnician7760]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaKUgK2ChKhroJosi=vh-JehxyvRl1Ad_y

[@mpugliano]

Well done great video ty very much!!!! I liked it so much i even watch the advertisement hope it puts a few cents in your pocket!

[@javeedhvactechnician7760]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaKUgK2ChKhroJosi=vh-JehxyvRl1Ad_y

[@grayfurnaceman]

The meter is a Fluke 16, now replaced with the 116 and is a megohm meter. Also, some techs use an insulation tester to test the winding at a high voltage, which the windings are exposed to. For me the jury is still out on these meters, as they may diagnose a compressor as bad that may not actually fail for some time. Certainly, if the unit is high liability such as a blood cooler, I would use them. GFM

[@grayfurnaceman]

It is single phase. If it was 3 phase, it would be the same resistance on all 3 legs. GFM

[@PigSpinnin]

test worked perfect. Helped me narrow the prob to a bad cap. Thanks for posting this!!!!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@javeedhvactechnician7760]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaKUgK2ChKhroJosi=vh-JehxyvRl1Ad_y

[@ChrisV-]

Good video, just starting to get into hvac myself.

[@stanleysanders8310]

Thanks alot

[@javeedhvactechnician7760]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaKUgK2ChKhroJosi=vh-JehxyvRl1Ad_y

[@grayfurnaceman]

I'll try to keep them coming. GFM

[@javeedhvactechnician7760]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaKUgK2ChKhroJosi=vh-JehxyvRl1Ad_y

[@jgvaz]

Nice explanation. Is your fluke multimeter suitable for windings insulation test to ground? Shouldnt it be a megohmeter with higher voltage to be sure theres no fault to ground? Thank you

[@spamh3591]

Another great video!

[@javeedhvactechnician7760]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaKUgK2ChKhroJosi=vh-JehxyvRl1Ad_y

[@Hvacmaniac97]

Thank you gray!!

[@javeedhvactechnician7760]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaKUgK2ChKhroJosi=vh-JehxyvRl1Ad_y

[@AJRestoration]

Good video!

[@javeedhvactechnician7760]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaKUgK2ChKhroJosi=vh-JehxyvRl1Ad_y

[@mtbbiker6401]

I can't access the compressor plug directly (5 ton Trane unit), but I checked it at the wires after disconnecting from the contactor and capacitor. My numbers are 1.0, 1.4, 2.0 so my total is off by -0.4. Does this mean the compressor is going bad? No grounding issues. It's currently pulling 21.5A (105 degrees ambient temp) on the common wire (followed your other video). RLA is 26A. It's a 14 year old 5 ton Trane R410 heat pump. The compressor is noisy at start/stop but otherwise seems to run okay.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Thanks for the support. GFM

[@javeedhvactechnician7760]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaKUgK2ChKhroJosi=vh-JehxyvRl1Ad_y

[@goonzsquad1]

So Gary your not actually putting your leads inside the terminal, just clipping to that metal part ?

[@jonerasmus9399]

Make a vid of testing a single phase motor without marked leads plz .

[@baderfrdan447]

Does the decrease in the resistance value between the common terminal and the start terminal imply that the compressor is malfunctioning? Example, the resistance between the common & start is 1 while the resistance between the common & the run is 1.3 (resistance total between run & start is 2.3). Noting that the compressor needs a start capacitor to make it running. Without that start capacitor, the compressor cannot work. So, two questions are here: 1. Do these resistance values indicate an issue with the compressor? 2. Does this need of start capacitor to start the compressor indicate that there is an issue with the compressor? Thanks

[@grayfurnaceman]

First, the resistance values should be compared to the factory specs. Generally, the resistance of the run to common will be the lowest. If you are saying the compressor will not start without a start capacitor, and the start cap was not original equipment, either the compressor is on its last legs or the run capacitor has failed. GFM

[@grayfurnaceman]

Ok. I misunderstood your comment. Are you using a digital ohmmeter? Set at the X1 setting? Is it a very small compressor? GFM

[@javeedhvactechnician7760]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaKUgK2ChKhroJosi=vh-JehxyvRl1Ad_y

[@kevinvu2009]

It's old . But old is good. Sometime you are getting ohm reading good but compressor lock out then you looking for the new compressor.

[@SamsFootballFreestyle]

wondering if theres any other important tests i should preform if i find a old or new compressor laying around to make sure its working properly etc

[@grayfurnaceman]

The reason I asked is the numbers are too small. Most compressors will have single digit resistance in their windings. GFM

[@feenixb1o7]

I have 2 at 17 and 1 at 34... which is the run and which is start? So I know which is the common and that the two pins remaining are either run or start, but how do I tell which is which?

[@emptech]

I'm assuming you are using those new test leads that have zero resistance? Wouldn't you first short the leads together, find their approximate resistance, could be a few tenths of an ohm and subtract that value from your total resistance? To eliminate the error from the lead resistance, some people would use a four wire ohmmeter. Readingss of hundreds of ohms or more, who cares about a few tenths of an ohm, but when measuring resistances of about half an ohm, a few tenths of error can be quite significant, would you think? Jim

[@grayfurnaceman]

As the potential resistance of the probes will be always the same, and the readings of compressor windings are comparative, I do not think it is necessary. And in fact, I have not seen the resistance of the leads be anything other than 0. GFM

[@bensenoussitahri7034]

thank you ,i found a good informatios here , i just want to ask you a question ,can we fix the windings of three-phase compressor?

[@javeedhvactechnician7760]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaKUgK2ChKhroJosi=vh-JehxyvRl1Ad_y

[@samuraix8903]

Hi, do you have a video on how to check on a 3 phase HVAC compressor windings? I recently have the compressor breaker tripping and I found out due to the compressor having no continuity on all phase ( L1-L2, L1-L3 & L1-L3 ). I also found the resistance to be very high.. around 300ohms between L1-L3 & L2-L3. Can i conclude that the compressor breaker trip due to the compressor bad/Open winding? I check the breaker & contactor, they are OK.I found so many videos here & i found yours to be the most helpful. Thanks in advance.

[@javeedhvactechnician7760]

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[@myraza86]

Thanks alot.. Hope to see more good stuff like that.. :)

[@javeedhvactechnician7760]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaKUgK2ChKhroJosi=vh-JehxyvRl1Ad_y

[@grayfurnaceman]

If you know common, then hold probe on common. Touch other probe to a terminal and record. Then touch probe to remaining terminal and record. The higher number is start and the lower number is run. If you still are having trouble I can send you a diagram. GFM

[@U-TUBER88]

Hello sir will u give the diagram Student from India

[@allykeyes8171]

Hi. Thanks so much for your video here and BIG THANKS for explaining how to understand Ohm readings between C, R & S when l didn't know what they should be in the first place. I'm just using a basic cheap multimeter and assuming that '1' is equivalent to O.L. I hope I'm correct? As l cannot afford a high end Fluke such as the two you've mentioned (16 & 116), could you tell me what you think of the 101 model please? I'm new to electronics although I've been trying to understand how to accurately use a multimeter for years (and getting nowhere.. Lol). Cheers.

[@jaileal8806]

1 is equivalent to OL. :)

[@javeedhvactechnician7760]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaKUgK2ChKhroJosi=vh-JehxyvRl1Ad_y

[@TripCoolLang]

Thanks!!!

[@robviolin1]

Great vid. Thanks

[@javeedhvactechnician7760]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaKUgK2ChKhroJosi=vh-JehxyvRl1Ad_y

[@venkatkasa5819]

I couldn't understand clearly. Is that winding good or not. Usually when I checked motor or anything winding the good winding is denoted to three phases equal resistance of winding. That the winding is correct but here not like that

[@grayfurnaceman]

The winding is good. It is a single phase compressor. GFM

[@yongminhuh5605]

If I sent you a few pictures, can you tell me where did those wires came off? I believe those wires came off of relay but there are no visible sign( no screws joints, etc... May be grounded or chassis I don't know.

[@grayfurnaceman]

I can try. Send to [e-mail] GFM

[@danielpadilla3968]

How do you know if the windings are going bad? Sorry if it’s a dumb question

[@grayfurnaceman]

If the resistance of each winding matches the manufacturer specs and there is no continuity to ground, the windings are ok. Not dumb. GFM

[@GuruHandyman]

Loved Evercoat commerical

[@javeedhvactechnician7760]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaKUgK2ChKhroJosi=vh-JehxyvRl1Ad_y

[@yongminhuh5605]

Thanks for responding to my questions! I think I figured it out where those wires are broken off - compressor relay. I wish if there's a way to send email.

[@grayfurnaceman]

You can send to [e-mail] GFM

[@stanleysanders8310]

I have a trane dual unit heat pump the fan on top of the motor want shut off.but thermostat cuts fan off that blows through duct work into house.what is the reason fan outside want shut off?

[@grayfurnaceman]

Stanley Sanders I assume you mean the outdoor fan won't shut down. It could be the contactor in the outdoor unit is stuck on. If so, it needs to be replaced. GFM

[@feenixb1o7]

14 ohms doesn't seem that small to me, maybe the compressor is shorted somewhere. Thanks for your help though :)

[@grayfurnaceman]

Thanks, Is that a ferret?

[@Ryan96se]

I got exactly what he got here. 3.0 / 2.5 / 0.5 but my compressor just shakes hums then clicks off. Tested the start run capacitor (only 5mo old) and MFD tested good on it. Contactor is sending 240V so I guess my compressor has a mechanical failure like a seized piston correct?

[@grayfurnaceman]

I would check amp draw. Should be locked rotor amps as shown on the compressor plate. Yes it is dead. The rotor is locked. Most common failure. GFM

[@wolfgangsnitsar4739]

I've had several that the rotor was locked after sitting for a long time. On many of them, I've used a Rubber mallet and gave it a medium tap on the side a few times as I powered it up. This has unlocked the rotor but I would not count on it being a fix. It could buy you some time to repair or replace the compressor or unit.

[@tommyj2859]

Why take the wires off? If compressor is still in unit it seems difficult to check this. Can you just discount the wires from contactor and capacitor and use the wires?

[@grayfurnaceman]

+Tommy Jarrett So, how would you feel if there was a short or open in one of the wires, perhaps at the connection to the compressor terminals and you diagnose a shorted or failed compressor. Oops! GFM

[@condor5635]

grayfurnaceman excellent point exactly what happened to me the spade connector at the compressor was toast. Had to replace wire and coonector

[@MuhammadKhan-di1oz]

Like very use full

[@pawelb1564]

I have another problem my compressor do not start - grounding test ok, ohm test between pins ok I did also another test I mean continuity between windings. . I was checking is there is continuity with meter probes and beep signal from meter. There is a beep only between upper and one lower pin, upper and second lower pin no beep - that means that compressor is broken electrically ?. To be more precise in tree possible combination of touching pins with meter probes there is only one beep + my connector was different from yours 1 pin in upper position + 2 pins in lower position. Please give your explanation,

[@grayfurnaceman]

Ignore the beep. It is only there to tell you if there is a very low resistance. Measure each resistance and record using a drawing. One should be lowest (1 to 3 ohms). The second higher added to the first should equal the 3d reading. If they read normal, the capacitor is good, the compressor is probably locked up (read dead). Hope this helps. GFM

[@pawelb1564]

grayfurnaceman I checked that once again and it was ok electrically and did not mind about continuity test. So I looked deeper and started it finally (by wire) omitting all electronic boards in my device and it worked - so the reason was not broken compressor but poor electronic - now it works fine without it - for my application it is enough. Thanks for you help, and youtube clip that make me think

[@Sto20784]

I don't understand OL meaning you have no resistance? meaning the windings are good?

[@MrHarbinged]

open line or open load, how I heard it

[@mankalarao]

I checked compressor its values are C to S :4.5ohms, C toR :1.55, and S to R : 6.5ohms when supply is given compressor gets over heat but Cooling wsa not coming give me suggestion to solve the problem.

[@dusangajdos4672]

thanks - Y T videos , for not to give up on my frig . watched it and decided to fix my Frigidaire if I could , even though I shorted cord (for millisecond) when I plugged it in during my attempted repair . little smoke , spark, burned off tiny bit of one prong was still nothing , since I quickly puled it out , compare to puzzle - why I had no more power in frig. I am not and never be a electrician , but I can do simple things . ( I left alig. clip on run tit of comp. touching other and grounded them all by axid. or beer ) did not even trip breaker , but lost power to ice box. period . after tracing all wires , connections , plugins , looking for fuse ?, I knew there is none , cussing , make beer run , I was about to give up . but I was goanna at last salvage bulbs and get rough with ice maker to fined out why sometime wasn't dumping cubes like 9 years ago . luckily box was still plugged in , while I for no reason wiggled temp. setting knob when and suddenly lights and blower come on . I was surprised and little pissed off , that I didn't think of check its relay as a first thing . instead of tracing those wires . anyhow , 9 year old side by side box was pretty much fixed by accident with new start relay , few hammer blows on comp. and some beer . so don't give up , cut corners if needed, keep trying and improving . thanks again for this video, it helped a lot , save some dinero $ and gave bid of a satisfaction . even with pukito buzz .

[@grayfurnaceman]

Glad it helped. GFM

[@javeedhvactechnician7760]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaKUgK2ChKhroJosi=vh-JehxyvRl1Ad_y

[@TOYOTER0]

1:00 Are the two windings the highest resistance of the three combinations?

[@lupojacobo9892]

The highest reading it's the run and star ends

[@phillipalv8641]

Hi there my compressor is not starting, I check the windings from common to start I have 2.6 and from start to run I have 2.7 and from common to run I have a 0 . what's wrong here?

[@grayfurnaceman]

If you are doing the measurements correctly, you have a shorted compressor. Check from a winding to the compressor body. You could be shorted to ground. In any case, the wires should be removed from the compressor before testing. GFM

[@jimbola77]

good vid thanx!!!

[@javeedhvactechnician7760]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaKUgK2ChKhroJosi=vh-JehxyvRl1Ad_y

[@feenixb1o7]

I am indeed, It's not too small no. I'll figure it out.

[@MuhammadIbrahim-nu7rj]

I changed the compressor today ...but I checked the wiring according to the diagram but it was keep tripping the breaker

[@grayfurnaceman]

Jawad Ibrahim Does it trip the breaker immediately or does it run for a while before it kicks off? GFM

[@MuhammadIbrahim-nu7rj]

It was tripping immediately ...but I checked the compressor tag was in the comp was three phase but actually it was one phase compressor ...

[@kdotwaoselrahc2294]

it can be wrong wirring

[@MuhammadIbrahim-nu7rj]

It was one phase compressor instead of three that's why

[@johnnygallardo76]

Are you using amps?

[@grayfurnaceman]

No. This test is the last test you do to make sure the compressor is the problem. This one will tell you if the windings are shorted or open to each other or if they are open or shorted to ground. Hope this helps. GFM

[@johnnygallardo76]

So what are you using oms? What do you set your multimeter to?

[@grayfurnaceman]

Johnny onthespot Yes, ohms. When checking continuity of the windings, it should be set at 1X. When checking resistance to the body of the compressor, you should a megohm meter. Many of the newer digital meters are auto ranging like the one in the video, so you do not have to set it. GFM

[@donmelone5945]

grayfurnaceman

[@johnvivian175]

how about a 12v compressor, Im getting 4 all around

[@grayfurnaceman]

I don't know what design of compressor you have. If it is 3 phase DC, it would be the same on all windings. GFM

[@yongminhuh5605]

I will.

[@christopherpaul2938]

yes sir

[@vasanthmech9142]

1)I recently checked one single phase compressor, the connectivity is good (beep sound there), no ground value comes, comp is not grounded, but the resistance between the terminals is displayed as zero and the value is fluctuating in other terminals.compressor taking high amps 14.7amps recommended is 1.2 amps and gets tripped in olp. can you provide any solution for this issue,it is clear that the compressor gets jammed internally but i want to understand y the resistance value fluctuates, whether the problem is with the multimeter. 2) would you share what are all the abnormalities we can measure in a grounded compressor, will the compressor works by drawing high amps or it will not start itself.

[@kdotwaoselrahc2294]

its hi amphre. need to replace compressor

[@feenixb1o7]

That's the thing, they're both the same.

[@christopherpaul2938]

a compressor can fail electrically and mechanically.

[@grayfurnaceman]

It can. This one is just about electrical failures. GFM

[@raybosflorida4928]

C S R,,,????