Trane Bean Counter strikes again

[@fluffyblue4006]

You won't find those relays on off-shore oil rigs or airplanes. Only in consumer equipment. Consumer equipment is engineered to meet a cost objective, set by the bean counters. The word "quality" is now a marketing term, instead of an engineering term as it used to be in the past century.

[@moi01887]

I had a similar problem with my home A/C once. We had no cooling, I tested and found the contactor pulled in, voltage on the input terminals (it was a 2-pole contactor) but none on the output terminals. Checking continuity with the contactor energized, I found that there was continuity from input to output on one pole but not the other. I cursed a few times at the contactor, expecting to have to replace it. But I removed it, took it inside to the bench and pulled it apart, and found a spider (or the remains of one) between the contacts on one side. Guess what, spiders don't conduct electricity very well! I gently cleaned the "bug bits" off the contacts, reinstalled the contactor, and it worked fine for years afterward.

[@Raphael_NYC]

I can't stop watching your wisdom. Thank you. raphael nyc

[@fredcombs7234]

Don’t you just hate when a new unit shuts down , it always seems too make the home owner leery from now on

[@duramusmosley5530]

Not to mention my mind starts running through EVERY SINGLE THING I did on the install if I have a call back.

[@BassWhoopinFishingTeam]

It happens. No one is perfect. The best thing to do is take care of them and own your mistakes if any were made. Sometimes lemons slip through too. Shit happens.

[@rogerdirks947]

That disconnect looks like a bean counter strike as well.

[@MegaDysart]

Hey Ted, if you unscrew flathead part of the lug all the way and remove it. There's a Philips head screw under it. If you take that out, you can remove the lug completely and it'll accept the screws from the old contactor so you don't have to cut the factory wiring. Neat trick to retain the ring or fork terminal.

[@justinh7957]

Not all manufacturers do this unfortunately.

[@johnrose3169]

I like the drawer set up in your van - very organized.

[@kraz904]

I’m not an ac guy but I learned several things from this video. The first thing is that the manufacturers are using crap parts in their products. Thank you…

[@homesteadjackass4979]

Just curious why you didn’t throw a self tapper in that disconnect?

[@tacocin]

self tapper doesn't screw into the brick on the back of the box

[@John-cb6wn]

To do it right he would have to go to the breaker box and shut off the breaker maybe they Weren’t at home

[@Garth2011]

Or, remove it and replace it with one that is correctly made.

[@OnusBones]

My guesses would be A) he wasn't hired nor asked to do it, and B) I don't believe Ted is a licensed electrician, which brings up C) as the last one to touch it, he has no desire to own that problem.

[@brianhoward6896]

Yeah that's what I was wondering too. Didn't his guys put that disconnect in as new? or maybe it was already there and missing that screw. I would have fixed it because knowing my luck. I would have been the one that went back on a call there and needed to pull it and it would have broke like he spoke about in the video.

[@lambrinos]

Tutelage is a real word. It is the act of guarding, protecting, or guiding; office or function of a guardian; guardianship. instruction; teaching; guidance: "His knowledge of Spanish increased under private tutelage."

[@sknight0391]

We went from a Homer to a Marge 😂😂😂

[@zapa1pnt]

Interesting little tip, of cutting the loop off and using the crimp, in lugs. I like it. 😁✌🖖

[@Eddy63]

Good vid Ted and glad to see your packin' the ole M12v Thx

[@GreyRockOne]

Nice work Ted, love the terminal tip. Of course we cannot confirm or deny Joshua's ability, we may never know. I'm sure plenty of techs are even more capable, they just don't play the KZbin game, for that I applaud them.

[@Austin23191]

The m12 line of tools is really nice. I've carried the m18 drill and it is too heavy for everyday residential use. My m12 has enough power for what I need and the 4ah battery lasts a long time

[@Chxpion345]

P 😊o

[@MsckMatt]

I agree. And the profile is tiny on it. I can keep it in my veto bag in just one of the inside pouches zipped up and all, and it has the power to get me through anything I run into. Also probably charge the batteries maybe once every few months. I do use a bigger battery for my installs though

[@chatrkat]

I remember when a contractor lasted the life of the condenser. Sad the poor quality of so many new parts. I remember that Chinese gentleman, he was a most entertaining customer. I like the new Milwaukee drill in use today. 😁

[@northwoodsguy1538]

On that disconnect, in the words of Steve Lav nothing but quality.

[@joshuaseaton4526]

Thanks for the mention!!! Cheers!!!

[@RayRay-nb7tn]

Charles is an Awesome guy love his videos as much as yours Ted. Spot on. Thank you for advice to start watching his videos. Hi to the Tube customer fan 🖐. Now back to Ted's video... hope those coils improve in time, it will cost Trane a warranty call? Those disconnects have came with no screw in a few but I just drill hole put anchor in and screw it straight. Found over time of pulling those out they do break without adding extra screw. HVACR on Ted. Be cool and thank you Sir.

[@scrambler350]

@<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="530">8:50</a> -- I do keep some contactors with 120 and 240 volt coils in them on my van for the RARE occasions they are needs - BUT I always make sure to write "240VAC COIL" and 120VAC COIL" on top of the box in BLUE or RED Sharpie so I never accidentally grab them.

[@Paul-IE-Repairs]

i replaced a fan motor with an OE, high dollar trane motor, it didnt even last 24hrs before the ball bearings flat spotted, the rotor and bearings look brand new, ill change out the bearings, my best guess is they never packed them with grease when they were manufactured

[@TheGgin]

Haha, I did exactly the same thing a year ago ago with a 120v coil to the point I was about to install....so now I don't feel as dumb 🙂Supply house exchanged with no questions asked, guess I was in hurry when I grabbed them (twice) as you said. Totally agree with 24V process on not blowing the LV fuse up in the attic!

[@lnk4328]

But you get to make a little smoke when you screw up the other way. 24V coil installed when it should have been high voltage.

[@eddevoe2519]

@@lnk4328 I was starting a refrigeration unit and when we applied power to the evaporator, the solenoid coil EXPLODED. It was a factory installed coil and they pit in a 24v coil instead of 208/230 volt, LOL.

[@gonecyco2]

I really like your use of B&W when and where it was used as well as the transitions. At one point I had to rewind the video @ <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="624">10:24</a> because what I thought was you sitting the camera on top looking down at the actual work part in color. Was a transition that my mind saw as you lifting the camera and sitting on the unit looking down. Great video as always!

[@davefuelling7955]

Talk about a cheap contactor, it only connects one side of single phase power, which means that the other leg is energized even with the contactor shut off. I would consider that dangerous.

[@daddygc5814]

Really like the stool you're using, been using one for years ,saves on knees and pants

[@pejmanmomen]

Love your video, I would love to see how you organize your truck

[@erichoward5565]

Ha.... Ted calling out super techs by name.. Never a dull moment.

[@sknight0391]

That contactor needs a dose of the Beano! 😅👌😎👍

[@rrodak]

tutelage is very much a word =) I am going to need to replace my hvac system in the near future, what are your thoughts on the XL17i AC?

[@MacMcCabe2456]

Love your videos Ted. You & Steve Lav from different sides of the US but both get'er done. I'm from the NE, US (NJ) but love seeing how you both handle some of the more perplexing jobs at hand and the ever present Helicopter clients. I used to live in the Houston, Katy and Fulsher, TX areas so I know how hot it gets down there ! Great videos. Keep up the great work you do ⭐

[@darylfortney8081]

Lug is meant to hold tighter on the bare wire than the cut spade collar. Recommend just stripping the wire proper and you will get a more reliable lower resistance connection. Vibration and climate will eventually cause the spade collar to loosen in the lug over time. It's actually for the same reason you aren't supposed to tin wire being crimped or lugged. You want the lug bolt to directly press into copper.

[@kennethcohagen3539]

Tutelage is a word. It means being taught by a tutor, and it is a good use of the word.

[@Garth2011]

Yessiree, those M12 batteries do last quite a long time in between charges. The drill is a great choice while the "hex driver" might also be considered.

[@joeshearer1247]

Much Superior product Uncle Ted

[@TedCookHVAC]

Learned it from you with your expert tudolidge,

[@tedbell4416]

​@@TedCookHVACthat word cracks me up

[@larryiaquinta5003]

Another Great Job Ted I wish you lived in North Carolina I would call you to work on my unit…HAHA…WOW Great content as always…

[@Honestandtruth007]

Although you are Anti Diy,.....i still Like your attitude and what you do,Sir 👍😀

[@dougpender2009]

I just DIY replaced my old Homer contactor that failed in a Trane XR from 2018 but I replaced it with the model identical to the one you just replaced in the video LOL.

[@zwspiller7888]

Haha i remember that video! You were trying to explain the temperature split to him.😅

[@bluenetmarketing]

Trane has been the best I have used.

[@notaquitter]

Watch out Ted next thing you know you're going to have a bunch of cougars following you. Haha😂

[@NightOwlPal]

I would love to have someone like you in my area. Havent been happy with any of the guys that have come out and service my lennox packaged heat pump.

[@jesseyriley6931]

Really enjoy the videos I’m not a tech just a homeowner. We have a 17 year old york and an 11 year old goodman both r22 mated to 25 year old carrier furnaces in Las Vegas. When something eventually breaks is Trane still the way to go? Always heard good things about them.

[@carlbass4449]

Heil // tempstar.. Built by carrier..

[@fatkiefbowls]

its all the same shit

[@myHVAClife]

LMAO😂 Thanks for the mention.

[@TedCookHVAC]

Any time!

[@myHVAClife]

2000 more subscribers (priceless). All your SuperTech viewerS giving me grief now, Hilarious!

[@TedCookHVAC]

Old Saying: The fleas come with the dog.

[@OnusBones]

I subscribed to My HVAC Life after I saw it mentioned, I believe on HVAC Shop Talk (I saw a couple of your interviews there too). Another good one is Curtis, the HVAC Guy.

[@myHVAClife]

THANK YOU SIR

[@throttlebottle5906]

if you do any refrigeration work, you'll often need 120v coil contactors.(edit: sometimes 240v). I went to get the last two in stock a week back and found one was in the wrong box. 24v coil in 120v coil box, the second was correct(yes it was on refrigeration and needed 120v coil). I wanted a spare to leave there, since it's always wait until evening to break/cannot repair during day without major disruption. oh well, move the junk to other cooler.

[@Daniel-os9tb]

A lot of these contractors been doing this in carriers and Lenox’s too. Also. For some reason some of the 30flas are flaming on the bottom of contactor. Thought it was loose wires from the disconnect. But after inspection. Finding the low volt coils are burning up for some reason.

[@rtoweprojects]

When I saw stuff like that I usually tend to fix them while I'm there if it only takes a few minutes. I was surprised that being a new install that the thermostat wire connection was not inside the cover.

[@wlms04]

Nice video. Got me some more expert tootilidge from Ted. I remember you telling the Chinese dude about cooking with gas! He kept saying cooking “wis-a” gas!

[@SuperJeremi10]

We just had a trane xr unit installed at my store so far it has work very well it only been installed about 2 weeks hope it holds up well we alos had the air handler changed out.

[@Mr572u]

Funny, I have a 5 ton American Standard and it has had that relay changed out too. It was under warranty, but the labor wasn’t!

[@johnwalker890]

Good job Ted, I would rather have the two pole contactor than the single pole, because to make sure no unnecessary voltage is traveling, I realize sometimes it's necessary.

[@eddevoe2519]

i do refrigeration service so usually there are a lot more connections on those contactors. Thi single poles I usually find are on ice machines and they wont work w/o a leg being hot all the time so I just add a jumper from L1 to T1 on that leg.

[@Cotronixco]

Voltage doesn't travel.

[@choppergunner1408]

That is why I dislike those disconnects. I’ve you’ve never noticed, they’ve stopped coming with a screw on the left side, instead they use dimples in the metal to hold the plastic in place. Been that way a while. Cheap cheap cheap. Everything these days

[@danielkelley7422]

Who’s Joshua Seaton? I’d like to see this living legend. What’s his channel called?

[@waleyefish9026]

He's on the Drinking Channel 😅

[@peterrogers1616]

Wow I finished the video and feel bad knowing this guy has probably trained a few, God bless earing your keep. geez he is a cowboy

[@TedCookHVAC]

Thank you for watching !!

[@blackseabrew]

So my condenser outdoor unit quit running this summer. Was in a hurry and thought it was the fan. Bought a new fan motor(single speed vs the original which was a two-speed motor). That didn't work. So looked at the contactor and points were in bad shape. It was hot of course and very much needed some cool air with my daughter and granddaughter visiting. So I ended up removing the contactor and filing the contacts and it's been running like that for the past two months. I presume the coil was weak causing the contacts to arc and go bad. So I have a new coil ready for installation this fall when it's much cooler. Also installing a new main panel to replace the 50 year old Federal Pacific panel that was installed in 1973. I hate the FP panel plus the electrician who installed it did a horrible job. Every wire is pulled tight as a drum in an attempt to 'save' wire'. As much as this house has settled/moved over the years I'm surprised the house hasn't burned down from a wire pulling too tight and rubbing through the insulation.

[@cthorn8355]

Small thing. Why is the control wiring outside the cabinet?

[@uuhhhhhhhh189]

Fancy editing you've done with the video. Very fancy.

[@kevinmory8720]

The newer disconnects suck.. thin aluminum pull bars. Arc out and burn the ends up. They usually only have the 1 screw in them also. The Raton and Dirvisetech are this way.

[@danpresson]

I love that drill and fits in my pouch enjoy your video

[@timothybilsky3023]

Haha we remember that Michelin Asian guy! He was the best. Tutelage is the word. That guy is way smarter than most Americans, myself included.

[@justinh7957]

The left side of the disconnect has a notch that it locks into. Looks like its sitting on top of it or the notch is missing all together. Thought one i saw was missing a screw also but it just wasnt in the right spot on the left side

[@eherby]

Where did you purchase he work stool?

[@georgenicholas5210]

I've got that same step stool from Amazon. Everybody that has ever used it, including me, has pinched the shit out their fingers when opening/closing it.

[@rb8049]

Bean counters make everything more expensive.

[@robalexander7348]

Good fix Ted, even a new contactor can be a " Dicky " one from new 👍 Au

[@kenthomas4668]

Put an American Standard in at my neighbors wherei had to hear it. That unit got louder and louder. Finally some earwigs got in there and I just reoplaced the contactor. That unit is so quiet now. I thought some of that nosie was the compressor, nope!

[@shepardsinsequence]

I totally dig The Engineer. You two get one another ! <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="945">15:45</a>

[@eddevoe2519]

Some McDonald MAC units on roof that run ice machine, walk-in cooler and freezer will sometimes have several contactors and ONE will be 24v and other two are 208-230 volt. Really gotta pay attention there.

[@lambrinos]

Ted, you prefer the filter drier outside or inside the house? Or no preference?

[@CSXRailfan6588]

When I do installs I usually do what the manufacturer says it’s probably better inside because the drier won’t rust and leak which in a coastal climate happens in 3 months

[@zack9912000]

inside is best, one less spot to leak after it rusts from the elements

[@kenthomas4668]

Inside, as close to a coil as possible. IMHO

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

@@zack9912000 you don’t have to worry about that. These new units won’t last more than 20 years. The coils are probably gonna leak after 5 to 10 and you have to change it out anyway.

[@condor5635]

Keep a spare contactor in my garage ready just for this type of situation! 20 bucks is cheap insurance! Why is it that all the new stuff seems to be crap?

[@raymondjacobs8429]

Ted, That might be Carpal Tunnel, I got some of it from cleaning copper pipes back in the day.

[@steveg5576]

Ted, I just got a DeWalt 8 volt screwdriver. It's got some gyro -- senses left - right as you turn it. Only had a few weeks - we'll see. I got the straight handle model -- not the bend handle. Unfortunately MW didn't have a comparable model.

[@tacocin]

The all too familiar contactor death buzz.

[@timothygingras6939]

I am wondering why you didn’t use a 2 pole contactor with the shunt.

[@BryanTorok]

Very nice video. I hope Trane compensates you for the repair time and part. Question: The capacitor in my condenser recently failed. Without the compressor or fan running, I was surprised at how loudly the contacter was humming. It was nearly as loud as the compressor after I replaced the capacitor and the compressor was running. Is it normal for the contacter to hum that loudly? Is that just a matter of the gauge of sheet metal the contacter is mounted on?

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

No, just more cheap Chinese communist junk purchased by greedy, corrupt, no integrity, corporate execs in the USA.

[@fatkiefbowls]

i dont think any ac manufacturer does warranty labor. thats why you increase prices as a saftey net for warranty work.

[@ssj4gogeta2003]

Ah, I see you finally have a collapsible stool, Ted. Work smarter, not harder. Also, tutelage is definitely a real word which means to be under someone's instruction. Eddie Murphy was just being snarky as hell as Axel Foley.

[@dennismazurek961]

Don't you just like how someone is poking his finger around a relay with 220 volts on you can use a piece of plastic or a piece of wood

[@Browner19]

EXPERT TUTELAGE 😅 reference of Beverley Hills Cop 2 with inspector Todd

[@frankroper3274]

This cat sounds like Dennis Weaver.

[@leilanirocks]

When I listen to you, I always think I am listening to what happened if Bill Paxton the late actor had decided to be an HVAC guy instead.

[@johnbalasa711]

Daikin is the way to go. Built trouble free 15 years warranty on everything.

[@johnritchie1411]

Love a good contactor replacement.

[@zlandar1]

I have a Trane with the same style disconnect. I changed out my old capacitor with a new Amrad one. I shorted the low voltage fuse doing it. Think the capacitor bracket brushed against the low voltage on the contractor. Ironic watching your video.

[@darylfortney8081]

Thankfully there is no standardized low and high voltage connectors that just connects all signals in one plug. How much fun would we have if that were the case? Isn't twisting bare single wires into cheap wire nuts and mismatched wire colors a great thing?

[@jeromes58]

Your a star on the HVAC circuit

[@davidcoudriet8439]

Cool trick cutting the loop off..

[@wkenealey]

I just had to DWR a package unit this morning, that was 7 months old. Extremely frustrating.

[@danwittels5542]

Trane.... nothing but quality here.😉

[@howardharaway2259]

Most important tool for me is my thermometer and my multimeter, I can deal with sitting on the ground.

[@mikeglasgow9618]

As the tech you are , I'm sure you noticed the single pole contactor. A piece of wire and 2 quarter inch spades would have made all the difference in winter start ups. But I'm sure you'll correct that at no charge before winter. I HOPE

[@CSXRailfan6588]

What is the red piece of plastic that you took off for

[@HVAC1116]

I had one of those a few months ago that would pull in and it sounded like buzzer loud enough you could hear it inside the house, maybe a week old

[@briancarlisi2224]

Good video. Maybe start a box at the shop with failed contactors to show the sales rep when he comes around, should this type of failure become wide spread.

[@sjp714]

The reason the old contactor was single pole was to allow for keeping the compressor warm. The top black wire should always have line voltage. The compressor may fail prematurely in the winter.

[@markbeiser]

Well, at least when the ones they use now fail, it isn't the coil shorting, so no need for a trip to the indoor unit to replace the control fuse.🤷‍♂ I started crimping ferrules on the wires, I didn't feel good about the connection when cutting the loop off like that.

[@nhojcam]

why did you not put a screw in the power box? wasn't this your company's new install?

[@Thecarguy1254]

I swear these companies are playing chicken on who can make the worst quality product for the most profits! We, the consumer, are the poor saps stuck with it unfortunately. Hoping the brand new Trane installed at my home this summer proves as reliable as the nearly 30 year old one removed.

[@Garth2011]

Tutorlidge is likely what he was pronouncing but due to his background, pronounced it as he did. LOL

[@kevincampbell7276]

Now that contactor you are using is my favorite one I keep those on hand at all times I own my own HVAC and I do not like the cheap ones I like when the power is totally disconnected from the unit and another thing I don't like and you probably don't neither is a disconnect that has fuses

[@elijahgoodman3140]

Where did you get the seat from?