If a compressor is shorted to ground, it can cause an electrical overload and potentially damage the compressor or other components in the system. This can lead to the compressor not functioning properly or failing altogether. It is important to address any electrical issues promptly to prevent further damage to the system.
You would need to put an amp-meter on the circuit to see what the current draw is like. ====== If the compressor is shorted to ground you cannot check the amp draw because it will constantly kill the circuit breaker. A better way to go would be to check the continuity of the compressor to ground and each winding.
MOST LIKELY A COMPRESSOR SHORTED TO GROUND IF 3 PHASE. COMPRESSOR START PARTS OR SHORTED COMPRESSOR- SINGLE PHASE. COULD ALSO BE CONDENSER FAN MOTOR OR CAPACITOR ASSUMING IT STARTS WITH THE PRIMARY COMPRESSOR. WITH POWER OFF, CHECK WITH OHMMETER EACH COMPRESSOR LEAD TILL YOU FIND SHORT (LOW RESISTANCE READING). IF THREE PHASE, IT IS POSSIBLE TO REVERSE MOTOR DIRECTION IN AN ATTEMPT TO FREE UP A FROZEN COMPRESSOR (RECIP ONLY, NOT FOR SCROLL IN THAT THEY ARE ROTATION SPECIFIC). ONCE YOU GET IT GOING OR HAVE COMPRESSOR REPLACED, FIND OUT WHAT CAUSED FAILURE AND FIX IT. IT WILL JUST HAPPEN AGAIN IF YOU DON'T. THEY DON'T JUST WEAR OUT IF MAINTAINED PROPERLY. lc
Something is shorted to ground.
More than likely the a/c compressor is bad. The compressor clutch could be shorted also.
Defective/Shorted Compressor Defective/shorted blower motor Defective/shorted cooling fan Disconnect each of the above one at a time to determine which area is the problem
Something is shorted to ground on that circuit
A blown fuse indicates a shorted circuit somewhere in the system. Could be a shorted power wire to ground, or a shorted componet in the system.
Taking an ohm reading from the compressor terminals to the condenser housing is a method to check for electrical shorts or insulation failures. If the reading shows continuity (a low resistance value), it indicates that the compressor windings may be shorted to ground, which could lead to equipment failure. Ideally, there should be infinite resistance, meaning no electrical connection to the housing. This test helps ensure the safety and proper functioning of the compressor in the refrigeration system.
The circuit is overloaded or shorted to ground.
There is an overcurrent situation in the circuit, could be a wire shorted to ground.
Usually you check mega-ohms by reading the resistance between compressor shell and the windings. There should be a large amount of resistance which means the windings are not shorted to the compressor case or shell. Use a DVM (digital volt ohm meter) to check the resistance.
The A/C compressor is clutch driven, when electricity is applied to a coil, it engages the clutch. Most likely the coil shorted out in the A/C clutch on the front of the compressor.