FAQ Household
-
What is the function of a PTC?
-
The PTC switches off the start winding and protects it by this.
Category: Household, Light Commercial -
When can a PTC be used?
-
For a compressor start with a PTC the appliance has to have a standstill period of minimum 7 minutes in order to ensure pressure equalization via the capillary tube.
Category: Household, Light Commercial -
The PTC starting device burnt out. Will this automatically cause the wiring in the compressor to fail? Can I ohm out the compressor to check for shorting? If so what are the specs?
-
Generally the compressor should be still okay even if the PTC starting device burnt out - we recommend using a new PTC instead.
Further, if you want to measure the ohms, you will find the nominal values for the main winding and for the start winding in the data sheet, both at 25°C. Depending on the temperature this nominal value has to be corrected by a factor from the following table.
t / °C
t / °F
Factor
10
50
0,942
15
59
0,961
20
68
0,981
25
77
1,000
30
86
1,019
35
95
1,039
40
104
1,058
45
113
1,077
50
122
1,096
Example: For the NL7CNK compressor you will find a value of 14.7 Ohm @ 25°C in the data sheet. If your ambient temperature is 40°C you have to multiply this 1,058 x 14,7 = 15,6 Ohm
Please note that these values apply only if the measurement is made directly at the stator - you should include a tolerance of about +/- 10 %.
Category: Household, Light Commercial -
What is the advantage of an ePTC?
-
The main advantage of the ePTC solution is the easy way of saving energy in existing and future fridge and freezer designs. The main items are:
- Reduction of 2 W in power consumption
- Full PTC protection of start winding
- Run capacitor acceptance
- No noise
- Short recovery time
- Compatible to all Secop 103N PTC starter
In special cases the ePTC can be used instead of a PTC and a run capacitor.
Category: Household -
What does the stamping on a capacitor mean, e.g.: AC 220V 1.7% ED SD=3MIN AC 280V 0.55% ED SD=1MIN
-
In this example the capacitor can operate at 220V AC for a maximum time of 1.7% within a space of time of 3 minutes, i.e. the capacitor should be operated for maximum 3.1 seconds and afterwards be off for 176.9 seconds.
For a higher voltage of 280V AC the capacitor can be used for 0,3 seconds in a minute.
Category: Household, Light Commercial -
Can I use a capacitor with a different rating as specified in your literature?
-
Yes.
The voltage rating of all capacitors must be the same as, or higher than, the specified voltage.
Category: Household, Light Commercial -
Can I replace the standard run capacitor delivered by Secop with another type having the same electrical data but with safety class P0?
-
For safety reasons Secop only distributes run capacitors of safety class P2 (with aluminum housing) instead of safety class P0 (with plastic housing) with its compressors.
A P0 run capacitor is normally not used by e.g. German manufacturers because of safety and insurance reasons. On the other hand we know that P0 run capacitors are used by several manufacturers elsewhere.
If using a P0 run capacitor it is very important to follow the instructions from the supplier regarding safety conception to prevent any fire in case the not protected flammable capacitor fails - e.g. distance to flammable parts should be at least 100 mm or the capacitor should be encapsulated. So when technical matters are ok on the P0 capacitor we cannot see why it should not be operated with a Secop compressor.
Also, please consider that probably the Secop run capacitor holder will not fit the capacitor which thus can not be installed directly on the compressor shell ensuring a compact installation incl. earth connection.
Category: Household, Light Commercial -
Can I use existing start equipment with another compressor?
-
In general no.
Our Engineering Department has selected specific starting equipment for each compressor to meet our starting specifications. We therefore strongly recommend using only the equipment given by Secop for the specific equipment. Especially with starting relays, the cut in and out current values have to match the motor precisely. A wrong relay can destroy the motor or start capacitor and cause safety relevant problems.
Category: Household, Light Commercial -
What is the meaning of 198V-254V? Start voltage range or the working voltage range?
-
When we state in our catalogues a voltage range of 198V - 254V it means that the compressor can both run and start at voltages within this range.
Category: Household, Light Commercial -
What does the expression "Min. circuit ampacity xx" mean?
-
The min circuit ampacity means amperage capacity and is calculated in the following way: RLA (rated load amps) of the compressor added with FLA (full load amps) of the fan multiplied with 1.25 (safety factor).
In summary this is the maximum current which can occur if the compressor is running at the highest load as specified and higher voltage as given.
-
I have a cooler from 1977 equipped with a PW7.5K14 compressor. Since several months I noticed that the compressor operates longer and longer and now never stops. The thermostat is operational. ...
-
... I assume that the compressor has reached the end of his lifecycle.
Can you please suggest a substitute compressor?
No.
We do not recommend to built in a new compressor even this is technically feasible. Normally after app. 10 years of usage the insulation and the sealing of a refrigerator and freezer are used up. Considering the increased energy consumption it can not be recommended to install a new compressor.
In addition, in most countries the refrigerant R12 is no longer allowed and the replacement with another refrigerant will become quite expensive. Therefore we recommend buying a new appliance.
Category: Household -
I need to transport my refrigerator for a short distance in the horizontal position. Which position do you recommend?
-
For allowed positions of each compressor type please check the Product Bulletins – Shipment of Refrigeration Appliances in horizontal Position.
If the unit has been shipped in a correct position according to the Technical Information we recommend waiting for another 30 minutes before switching on the refrigerator.
Category: Household -
Once I return the refrigerator back to the upright position, is it ready to run, or should I wait for some period of time before turning it on?
-
For allowed positions of each compressor type please check the Product Bulletins – Shipment of Refrigeration Appliances in horizontal Position.
If the unit has been shipped in a correct position according to the Technical Information we recommend waiting for another 30 minutes before switching on the refrigerator.
Category: Household -
What is the difference between the standard compressor and the tropical compressor?
-
There are two main differences between the tropical compressor and the corresponding standard compressor:- All tropical compressors can be operated to a maximum ambient temperature of 43°C compared to 38°C for most standard compressors,
- The tropical compressors can be operated in a voltage range from 187 - 254 V while the corresponding standard compressors have a smaller range from 198 - 254V.
For these reasons the tropical compressors require a stronger motor which slightly decreases the COP.
Category: Household -
Do you make a compressor that would be able to use a refrigerant like R23 with POE oil or R13 with mineral oil for the low stage of a cascade system?
-
No.
Secop compressors are available for R12, R22, R134a, R290, R404A, R407C, R502, R507, or R600a applications. We have no experience with compressors used with other refrigerants or used in cascade applications at very low temperatures. We know that some customers use the compressors with other refrigerants, but we have not been involved in any testing or approval for such applications and / or system layouts.
If a compressor is used for any such special application (on own risk) it is recommended that the load conditions do not exceed the equal maximum load conditions of the refrigerant the compressor is designed for. General Information on the operating conditions can be found in the relevant catalogue, more specific on the data sheet of the compressor.
-
I cannot find a datasheet of an R12 or R22 compressor in your datasheets.
-
We don't have the datasheets of our "older" compressor and condensing unit types on our website. So we are pleased to send you the documentation by mail or e-mail.
-
Can I use a leak detection dyes in refrigeration systems?
-
No.
Secop does not endorse the use of any substance except the refrigerant and the oil designed for use in the specific compressor.
-
Could I use ammonia as a refrigerant in a Secop compressor if I change the oil to a compatible one? Have you tried to use ammonia on a hermetic compressor before?
-
No.
All Secop hermetic compressors use motor windings of enamel copper wire, and some other small parts of copper or copper alloys. The copper will be attacked by ammonia, so the compressors will be damaged surely.
Also our internal materials are only tested for chemical compatibility with the oils and refrigerants they are made for. Changing the oil, maybe also the supplier can lead to problems.
Ammonia is not being used in small hermetic systems. One reason is that compression leads to very high temperatures with this refrigerant, if you have a high pressure ratio.
-
At which speed do the hermetic compressors run?
-
On 50 Hz supply the compressors run at nominal 2900 rpm, while with 60 Hz the nominal speed is 3450 rpm.
