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Overcharged Refrigerant Systems
Compressor amps will be near normal or higher.
Noncondensables can also cause these symptoms. To
confirm, remove some of the charge, if conditions improve,
system may be overcharged. If conditions don’t improve,
Noncondensables are indicated.
Whenever an overcharged system is indicated, always
make sure that the problem is not caused by air flow
problems. Improper air flow over the evaporator coil may
indicate some of the same symptoms as an overcharged
system.
An over charge can cause the compressor to fail, since it
would be "slugged" with liquid refrigerant.
The charge for any system is critical. When the compressor
is noisy, suspect an overcharge, when you are sure that
the air quantity over the evaporator coil is correct. Icing
of the evaporator will not be encountered because the
refrigerant will boil later if at all. Gauges connected to
system will usually have higher head pressure (depending
upon amount of overcharge). Suction pressure should be
slightly higher.
