Hvac Flashcards
(37 cards)
Voltmeter meters range from 600v
to 1mv
The ohmmeter battery produces its own voltage
– The meter measures the resistance its voltage encounters
• Therefore, main power must be off
– Example: Switch open, broken wire, etc.
• “0” means no resistance (closed)
– Example: Switch closed, wires connected, or a direct short
• “Measurable resistance” is between “0” and “OL”
– Examples: Checking motor windings, heater wires, etc.
• Meters in following slides will show “999” for measurable resistance
• “OL” means “Open Line” or infinite resistance
Most common ammeter is a “Clamp-on” type
– Ammeter jaws must encircle only one wire
True RMS Meters
• Standard meters read standard amperage
• Solid state devices (computers) affect readings
• True RMS meters give accurate amperage
The more loads in a series circuit,
•
– the more resistance in the circuit
Total resistance is:
– the sum of all the resistances in the circuit
amperage will be the same
– everywhere in the circuit
The left side:
–
•
Usually considered the “main power”
The right side:
– Usually considered “common”
Controls and switches are in series with loads
– Opening the switch stops current to the load
• Tstats and safety controls are always in series with loads
• A disconnect switch is in series with the circuit
– Used to “disconnect” power for equipment service
They have two windings:
• Lower resistance winding
• Check them by measuring the resistances
– Start (S) to Common (C), plus
– Run (R) to Common (C), should equal:
– Run (R) to Start (S)
– A start winding to help it start rotating
• High resistance winding
– A run winding to keep it rotating
RSIR: Resistance start, induction run
– Uses a start relay only
• CSIR: Capacitor start, induction run
– Uses a start relay and
– Start capacitor
• CSCR: Capacitor start, capacitor run
– Uses a start relay and
– Start capacitor and
– Run capacitor
Current Relay
• Potential Relay
• PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) Relay
Used on small compressors
–
•
Usually under 1HP
Switch contacts are normally open (NO)
• Relay coil energized by high starting
current (amps)
Used on fixed metering device systems
– Pressures equalize when compressor is off
– Starting is easier under low head pressure
Used on fixed metering device systems
– Pressures equalize when compressor is off
– Starting is easier under low head pressure
• Relay contacts close on high starting current
• Then, relay contacts open as amperage drops
A start capacitor adds starting torque
• Required on most TEV systems, because
– Pressures may not equalize in off-cycle
Increase phase shift for more starting torque
• Some have a resistor across its terminals
– Quickly “Bleeds” off excess charge when de-
energized
• Prevents arcing damage to relay contacts on restart
• In series with start relay,
– Energized for only a few seconds
– Excess charge disperses during off-cycle
Replacement Start Capacitors
• Must be the same microfarads as the original
• The same or greater volt amp capacity (VAC)
Electricity is sent to the motor on start up
– Power goes through relay switch to start windings
• When motor rotates it produces back EMF
•
– This voltage energizes the relay coil