Tecumseh AH5540E, Service Handbook

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19
Hermetic Compressor Thermal Protectors
Hermetic compressor motors are protected from overheating by thermal protectors built into or
mounted in contact with the compressor motor. See the Electrical Service Parts Guide Book for
correct replacement thermal protectors.
When firmly attached to the compressor housing, the thermal protector device (See Figure 3-8)
quickly senses any unusual temperature rise or excess current draw. The bi-metal disc within the
thermal protector (see Figure 3-8) reacts to excess temperature and/or excess current draw by
flexing downward and disconnecting the compressor from the power source.
Figures 3-9 and 3-10 show the installation of a thermal protector on an AE compressor. Table 3-2
lists useful information about thermal protectors.
FIGURE 3-7: External thermal protector.
(Models AE, TP, TH, AK AJ, CAJ AZ, HG,
RK, RG, RN, TW and some CL)
FIGURE 3-8: Bi-metal disc.
FIGURE 3-9: AE refrigeration compres-
sor showing (1) hermetic terminal, (2)
thermal protector, (3) thermal protector
clip, (4) push-on relay, (5) protective ter-
minal cover, and (6) bale strap.
FIGURE 3-10: AE refrigeration
compressor with the thermal
protector and relay assem-
bled.