Tecumseh AH5540E, Service Handbook

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13
Basic Application Information for Hermetic Compressors
Tecumseh hermetic compressors are engineered to do specific air conditioning and refrigeration
tasks. Hermetic compressors are designed for a particular evaporator temperature range and a
specific refrigerant.
Evaporator Temperatures
The key specification is the evaporator temperature of the system. Compressors that are
operating outside their design evaporator temperature range can be expected to have
poor pumping efficiency and experience motor problems.
Tecumseh hermetic compressors are designed for one of the following evaporator
temperature ranges shown in Table 2-2.
Refrigerant
Use only the serial label refrigerant when charging the system. Using a different refrigerant
can lead to excess system pressure, damage to the compressor and an explosion. For
example, using R-404A in a compressor designed for R-134a can lead to higher operating
pressures that can overload the bearings and overwork the motor. Use of a refrigerant
other than the serial label refrigerant will void the compressor warranty.
Table 2-2: Evaporator Temperature Ranges
Application Approved Evaporator Temperatures
Air conditioning +32°F to +55°F
Improved performance air conditioning +32°F to +57°F
Heat pump (approved models) -15°F to +55°F
High evaporator temperature +20°F to +55°F
Medium evaporator temperature -10°F to +30°F
Low evaporator temperature
(normal torque motor)
-10°F to +30°F
Low evaporator temperature
(high torque motor)
-40°F to +10°F
Commercial 0°F to +50°F*
Low Evaporator Temperature - Vapor Injection
(high torgue motor)
-40°F to +10°F
Low Evaporator Temperature - Liquid Injection
(high torque motor)
-40°F to +10°F
*Some exceptions exist, contact Tecumseh Products Company
Table 2-1: Serial Label Month Identifiers
A – January D – April G – July K – October
B – February E – May H – August L – November
C – March F – June J – September M – December