Haha, your brain works like mine does! Remembering some random completely obscure detail from years and years ago that ends up saving the day! Love it!
My guess?? A… electric motors running at low voltage will heat up.. B caps will drop as voltage drops. I think it could have been a combination of both an finally the condenser fan motor shut down on thermal overload, which turn would cause the compressor to run high-pressure and lock out..🤷🏻♂️ only guessing here with What evidence is presented… but I think your spot on !!
I would do the same. Tell the customer what you found, advise them to keep an eye on it, tell them you'd be more than happy to sell them a bunch of parts, but you don't think it's necessary at this time! Customers love honesty!
Pace yourself my friend. Like the infrastructure in the U.S. , quite a few pieces of equipment have outlived their useful life and you are the caretaker. But there is just 1 of you ! What the state, nay, the country needs is interested individuals like yourself to get into the trade and help things out ! Used to live in the Detroit MI area and in the 60's there weren't none air conditioning. Until we got a 10.000 BTU sucker for a window, . . ..on 60 amp service. Your skill with the modern machines leaves us mesmerized ! In this VLOG I believe you did the appropriate course of action. Cheers.
Ive seen out of spec caps run the fan backwards. Also seeing light through the coil doesnt matter on a micro channel as much as tube and fin. Also good to check the pressure switch itself. I block off coil and watch guages to see if switch cuts out prematurely. Good stuff👍
Great video, Chris, packing so much in. I love listening to your thought processes and find them informative and insightful. I have a couple of thoughts: What about using thermal imaging to record temperature rise in the condenser fan motor? It would show a bearing heating up and how hot the motor was getting even if the current draw was within allowed limits. The run capacitor that you replaced could have had intermittent failure. I've known capacitors to partially fail internally and suddenly not perform at all as required, usually due to a voltage surge or spike. When the power is removed from the capacitor 'self-healing' takes place and things appear perfectly normal until the next voltage spike and the cycle repeats. As the capacitor internal condition worsens it takes a smaller an smaller spike or surge to make the problem suddenly appear. Eventually, no more self-healing takes place and the capacitor goes bad for the last time. It's possible a temperature rise may be observed in the capacitor and thermal imaging may help discover this. Otherwise, the only way is to use a dedicated capacitor tester rather than rely on a function built into a multimeter. A proper capacitor tester can reveal far more about a capacitor than a simple measure of capacity. For example, the ESR or Equivalent Series Resistance of a capacitor is a very useful parameter in helping determine the internal health of a capacitor. Any reputable manufacturer will have the full specification of a capacitor available and if they don't I would want to know why and consider using a brand that does.
Wish you worked in the Fort Jackson, SC area. Last week, I happened to be outside my Barracks and heard a short, and see the smoke in the AC unit, and I saw the flash of the complete failure of the power panel which also triggered whole building power outage. They ended up hooking up a temporary unit to the system. Now, the AC in the DEFAC is also out, and they also set up a temporary unit for the time being.
Funny how you have undervoltage issues there. In the UK, where the target voltage should be 230V, the abundance of solar and lack of AC demand means the voltage can be seen as high as 258V where I live.
I work on service and feeds I've seen more than my fair share of voltage spikes and dips. It just depends on the time of year, time of day and weather. Most power production/generation facilities try to anticipate future loads on their circuits and ramp up or down at certain times. Particularly when everyone gets home from work at the same time and starts cranking their air conditioning, heating up stoves for dinner, turning on every TV and lighting, etc. For a short period of time before that happens you will see relatively large voltage numbers on service lines and feeds, and then a short time later it will drop below the median and then stabilize.
We have 2 different versions of our 2xx 3 phase voltage. 240 Delta fed, and 208 Wye fed. 10% is a target tolerance and many transformers have a 5% tap (adjustment). 200 is low but still above -5% . I am guessing a perfect storm: Poor cap and a low voltage (it has been HOT and I am on the coast)
Hey buddy, I just bought the 10 cfm vacuum pump from tru tech tools. But stupidly, I wasn't logged into my own account for it. I sent them an email and message that I'd like to cancel that order and replace it. I'd love to use your offer code and rack up my points. We'll see if they call me tomorrow, and hopefully they'll allow me to do it. If not, I still have to purchase the fieldpeice recovery machine, and I'll definitely remember to log in first. I'll get that one in 2 weeks
It automatically gets added to your account when you purchase stuff and put the same email that your account is under whether you are signed in or not I didn’t even realize I had an account and I went to create one and it said I had one so I signed in and it showed all the stuff I had purchased under my email which it looks like it adds it to your account
Buenas tardes Chris, como siempre un excelente trabajo y con todo el ánimo de salir adelante ésa actitud que todos deberíamos de tener es admirable en tu persona. Por otro lado si te miras cansado y no me hiciste bostezar Jajaja, Saludos y abrazos a todos ustedes deseando que estén bien y que tú descanses para que recuperes energía. Desde Coacalco Edo de México.
I am not a HVAC technician but I know how heat can affect electrical components changing the cap was a good call also when you are good you gonna stay busy since you are so tired that means you are good
Manually checking bearings on motor,and using thermal camera on it,could help,hate leaving and getting called back,because it overheated .thanks for the video.
That capacitor wasn't the issue. Sounded like the fan motor was delayed, is there a fan cycling switch in that unit also. Maybe the fan cycling switch is going bad.
Yeah, I’ve found if the caps are going bad the wind can help start the motor and you’ll get intermittent problems, I always make sure when I test the condenser fan motor and suspect a cap the blade is stationary.
You're right, this summer has been a doozy. Between business increases at Coffee Franchise (and the doubling of staffing levels on every shift but mine because "you never get busy in the afternoons"), car repairs, and crazy weather (thunderstorms, prolonged high temps, insane humidity) I'm already wiped out. I wanted to fix my rear brakes on Friday, but my legs were killing me from Thursday's business, so I had to wait until Saturday. Today, my legs aren't happy with me over yesterday's brake job, and right now walking/standing is excruciating. It's yet another reminder that I'm not as young as I used to be! I'm now telling the twenty-somethings I work with to pick a field they enjoy, work as hard as they can at it, and bank as much money as they can while they're able to, because there's an invisible clock ticking for each of us, and we never know when our bodies are going to tell us it's had enough. But I always add the caveat that "burning the candle at both ends" eventually leads to burn-out, so try to find a healthy work/life balance. Advice I wish I had been given at that age.
Under amping can mean it’s not pushing as much air. Was it the original condenser fan motor? And looking clean is deceptive. My personal 3 ton was acting funny and we couldn’t figure out why, so the tech washed it and voila the right pressures; in fact we had slightly overcharged it.
Chris, that's a three-phase unit? Are the blower motors three phase? Are the fan motors three phase? Three phase motors DON'T need start capacitors, and three phase motors DON'T need run capacitors. Are the phases correct? Not just running in the correct direction, but are the three phases in the correct sequence? I'm pretty sure you own a special meter for this (remember this is different from motors turning in the correct direction) "The phase sequence of three-phase electricity is the order in which the three phases pass a reference point, usually the red conductor first. The standard phase sequence in most countries is red, yellow, blue (RYB), or 12-4-8, which corresponds to a clockwise rotation:"
yeah. the vast majority of them are single phase 208v, 240v or 480v. not sure he has any areas with 480v or I just don't recall seeing any on his videos. they're low enough horsepower required, that going 3-phase would just cost more, both in the motor, wiring and contactors. it simplifies their lineup by using the same motors across more products. quite a bit of the indoor blower motors are 3 phase, but now many have changed to ECM type or 3phase with VFD.
Hi Chris!. These intermitent problems are a pain and sometimes the hardests to solve. I'd have changed the fan motor relay as well (cheap). What do you think about measuring condenser motor winding resistance with a megohmeter? Thanks for quality content you share!
I will discuss this on my livestream this evening 7/1/24 @ 5:PM (pacific) on RUclips come on over and check it out ruclips.net/user/liver8Zs9swa6cE?si=IXBBHZFjAcTmXHSw
I will discuss this on my livestream this evening 7/1/24 @ 5:PM (pacific) on RUclips come on over and check it out ruclips.net/user/liver8Zs9swa6cE?si=IXBBHZFjAcTmXHSw
@@HVACRVIDEOS Oh! I didn't realize improper duct size could cause Sat Temp that low unless it was totally blocked. You just reminded me of "ABC" air before charge XD. Thank you! I will totally try to make time for the Q/A!
Have a question? Different from this. If your condensate pump doesn’t work will it cause the air handler to stop working as well because when I turned back on everything only the condensing unit was the only thing running what do I need to do?
I will discuss this on my livestream this evening 7/1/24 @ 5:PM (pacific) on RUclips come on over and check it out ruclips.net/user/liver8Zs9swa6cE?si=IXBBHZFjAcTmXHSw
I will discuss this on my livestream this evening 7/1/24 @ 5:PM (pacific) on RUclips come on over and check it out ruclips.net/user/liver8Zs9swa6cE?si=IXBBHZFjAcTmXHSw
I will discuss this on my livestream this evening 7/1/24 @ 5:PM (pacific) on RUclips come on over and check it out ruclips.net/user/liver8Zs9swa6cE?si=IXBBHZFjAcTmXHSw
I will try, I'm in Florida so might be down for the count by then. Will it be available to watch at a later date? Plus thank you for the response. Love your stuff.
I will discuss this on my livestream this evening 7/1/24 @ 5:PM (pacific) on RUclips come on over and check it out ruclips.net/user/liver8Zs9swa6cE?si=IXBBHZFjAcTmXHSw
I am gonna guess AC is dead because of 1 of three factors 1: some idiot messed with the unit(either during cleaning on the rare customer who does the required maintenance, or just an entitled manager who should not fuck with the thermostat) 2: environmental damage(California is sandy and is like all human lands, full of things disposed of improperly that can ruin motors by jamming them with literal garbage 3: the ducting or some other factor did not match the unit, which has caused it to operate outside of airflow and load conditions(often due to failure to keep air intakes clean, or resize ducts when upgrading unit ratings suprise me HVACR, show me someone who kept their unit in ideal conditions and it is 100% dead to JUST age
It very well could be the low voltage issues. I guess there's nothing you can do about that. It's an external infrastructure issue. And yes you made me yawn 🥱 Lol
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Haha, your brain works like mine does! Remembering some random completely obscure detail from years and years ago that ends up saving the day! Love it!
My brain is like a junk drawer of information
Saved my, and the division butt at a snap FDA inspection, a long time ago.
Chris, try to take care of yourself. You can’t help your customers if you get burnt out. ❤ Sending love from Australia.
I appreciate that
Didn't yawn, but I *felt* the tired.
My guess?? A… electric motors running at low voltage will heat up.. B caps will drop as voltage drops. I think it could have been a combination of both an finally the condenser fan motor shut down on thermal overload, which turn would cause the compressor to run high-pressure and lock out..🤷🏻♂️ only guessing here with What evidence is presented… but I think your spot on !!
The tone in this man's voice I feel like he's like a er doctor on cooling heating 💯
you'll be ok we just have to get your head pressure to reduce
@@TheChipmunk2008lol
Work at a restaurant. Either the BOH or FOH AC works. Usually never both. It’s hot in Tennessee.
Truth
I would do the same. Tell the customer what you found, advise them to keep an eye on it, tell them you'd be more than happy to sell them a bunch of parts, but you don't think it's necessary at this time! Customers love honesty!
Pace yourself my friend. Like the infrastructure in the U.S. , quite a few pieces of equipment have outlived their useful life and you are the caretaker. But there is just 1 of you ! What the state, nay, the country needs is interested individuals like yourself to get into the trade and help things out ! Used to live in the Detroit MI area and in the 60's there weren't none air conditioning. Until we got a 10.000 BTU sucker for a window, . . ..on 60 amp service. Your skill with the modern machines leaves us mesmerized ! In this VLOG I believe you did the appropriate course of action. Cheers.
I completely agree with your logic Chris, I wouldn’t have done anything differently in this situation. Thank you for another great video! 👍🏻
Thanks for watching
tip - stick labels on the units for dates and purpose
Keep it up Chris, summers been rough here in Pa also . Prolly nothing like there
Ive seen out of spec caps run the fan backwards. Also seeing light through the coil doesnt matter on a micro channel as much as tube and fin. Also good to check the pressure switch itself. I block off coil and watch guages to see if switch cuts out prematurely. Good stuff👍
Great video, Chris, packing so much in. I love listening to your thought processes and find them informative and insightful.
I have a couple of thoughts:
What about using thermal imaging to record temperature rise in the condenser fan motor? It would show a bearing heating up and how hot the motor was getting even if the current draw was within allowed limits.
The run capacitor that you replaced could have had intermittent failure. I've known capacitors to partially fail internally and suddenly not perform at all as required, usually due to a voltage surge or spike. When the power is removed from the capacitor 'self-healing' takes place and things appear perfectly normal until the next voltage spike and the cycle repeats. As the capacitor internal condition worsens it takes a smaller an smaller spike or surge to make the problem suddenly appear. Eventually, no more self-healing takes place and the capacitor goes bad for the last time. It's possible a temperature rise may be observed in the capacitor and thermal imaging may help discover this. Otherwise, the only way is to use a dedicated capacitor tester rather than rely on a function built into a multimeter. A proper capacitor tester can reveal far more about a capacitor than a simple measure of capacity. For example, the ESR or Equivalent Series Resistance of a capacitor is a very useful parameter in helping determine the internal health of a capacitor. Any reputable manufacturer will have the full specification of a capacitor available and if they don't I would want to know why and consider using a brand that does.
I LOVE EVERYTHING YOU DO FOR US!!! ❤❤❤
Wish you worked in the Fort Jackson, SC area. Last week, I happened to be outside my Barracks and heard a short, and see the smoke in the AC unit, and I saw the flash of the complete failure of the power panel which also triggered whole building power outage. They ended up hooking up a temporary unit to the system. Now, the AC in the DEFAC is also out, and they also set up a temporary unit for the time being.
Love your channel. I like how you put everything in simple terms.
Funny how you have undervoltage issues there. In the UK, where the target voltage should be 230V, the abundance of solar and lack of AC demand means the voltage can be seen as high as 258V where I live.
You need more ACs to create more demand
I work on service and feeds I've seen more than my fair share of voltage spikes and dips. It just depends on the time of year, time of day and weather. Most power production/generation facilities try to anticipate future loads on their circuits and ramp up or down at certain times. Particularly when everyone gets home from work at the same time and starts cranking their air conditioning, heating up stoves for dinner, turning on every TV and lighting, etc. For a short period of time before that happens you will see relatively large voltage numbers on service lines and feeds, and then a short time later it will drop below the median and then stabilize.
We have 2 different versions of our 2xx 3 phase voltage. 240 Delta fed, and 208 Wye fed. 10% is a target tolerance and many transformers have a 5% tap (adjustment). 200 is low but still above -5% . I am guessing a perfect storm: Poor cap and a low voltage (it has been HOT and I am on the coast)
Hey buddy, I just bought the 10 cfm vacuum pump from tru tech tools. But stupidly, I wasn't logged into my own account for it. I sent them an email and message that I'd like to cancel that order and replace it. I'd love to use your offer code and rack up my points. We'll see if they call me tomorrow, and hopefully they'll allow me to do it. If not, I still have to purchase the fieldpeice recovery machine, and I'll definitely remember to log in first. I'll get that one in 2 weeks
I was able to email TTT after the fact when I forgot my promo code. They were more than accommodating.
@@nastyhvacr awesome
@nastyhvacr I just sent them an email, thank you for suggesting that.
It automatically gets added to your account when you purchase stuff and put the same email that your account is under whether you are signed in or not I didn’t even realize I had an account and I went to create one and it said I had one so I signed in and it showed all the stuff I had purchased under my email which it looks like it adds it to your account
@@Joshuatimmons1783 I hope so, I haven't seen my points increase yet, and I wasn't able to use the promo code.
Great job Chris has always.
Thanks
Buenas tardes Chris, como siempre un excelente trabajo y con todo el ánimo de salir adelante ésa actitud que todos deberíamos de tener es admirable en tu persona. Por otro lado si te miras cansado y no me hiciste bostezar Jajaja, Saludos y abrazos a todos ustedes deseando que estén bien y que tú descanses para que recuperes energía.
Desde Coacalco Edo de México.
Gracias, voy hacer una siesta después de este comentario
I am not a HVAC technician but I know how heat can affect electrical components changing the cap was a good call also when you are good you gonna stay busy since you are so tired that means you are good
Manually checking bearings on motor,and using thermal camera on it,could help,hate leaving and getting called back,because it overheated .thanks for the video.
Thanks for the tip
@@HVACRVIDEOS if it is a replacement motor,they might have left the drain plug,and it fails when it rains.
That capacitor wasn't the issue. Sounded like the fan motor was delayed, is there a fan cycling switch in that unit also. Maybe the fan cycling switch is going bad.
Id like to see how that RTU runs on a 100+ degree day. I think you did your due diligence. Definitely needs to be monitored.
Agreed
Yeah, I’ve found if the caps are going bad the wind can help start the motor and you’ll get intermittent problems, I always make sure when I test the condenser fan motor and suspect a cap the blade is stationary.
Good call
it could even start backwards, if it's already wind driven that way and cap value is way off.
You're right, this summer has been a doozy. Between business increases at Coffee Franchise (and the doubling of staffing levels on every shift but mine because "you never get busy in the afternoons"), car repairs, and crazy weather (thunderstorms, prolonged high temps, insane humidity) I'm already wiped out. I wanted to fix my rear brakes on Friday, but my legs were killing me from Thursday's business, so I had to wait until Saturday. Today, my legs aren't happy with me over yesterday's brake job, and right now walking/standing is excruciating.
It's yet another reminder that I'm not as young as I used to be! I'm now telling the twenty-somethings I work with to pick a field they enjoy, work as hard as they can at it, and bank as much money as they can while they're able to, because there's an invisible clock ticking for each of us, and we never know when our bodies are going to tell us it's had enough. But I always add the caveat that "burning the candle at both ends" eventually leads to burn-out, so try to find a healthy work/life balance. Advice I wish I had been given at that age.
Yes, you made me yawn, but it's close my bedtime😂
Loving the videos mate, greetings from Melbourne Australia.
Thanks for watching from down under
Another great video Chris. Thanks for sharing
Thanks Jason
Great video. Thank you for sharing
Under amping can mean it’s not pushing as much air. Was it the original condenser fan motor?
And looking clean is deceptive. My personal 3 ton was acting funny and we couldn’t figure out why, so the tech washed it and voila the right pressures; in fact we had slightly overcharged it.
Have always loved your content. Keep it up!
Thanks
Sweet, another video. Thank you.
Thanks for watching
Chris, that's a three-phase unit? Are the blower motors three phase? Are the fan motors three phase? Three phase motors DON'T need start capacitors, and three phase motors DON'T need run capacitors. Are the phases correct? Not just running in the correct direction, but are the three phases in the correct sequence? I'm pretty sure you own a special meter for this (remember this is different from motors turning in the correct direction)
"The phase sequence of three-phase electricity is the order in which the three phases pass a reference point, usually the red conductor first. The standard phase sequence in most countries is red, yellow, blue (RYB), or 12-4-8, which corresponds to a clockwise rotation:"
I would say it is typical for the fans to be single phase, hence the cap.
yeah. the vast majority of them are single phase 208v, 240v or 480v. not sure he has any areas with 480v or I just don't recall seeing any on his videos.
they're low enough horsepower required, that going 3-phase would just cost more, both in the motor, wiring and contactors. it simplifies their lineup by using the same motors across more products. quite a bit of the indoor blower motors are 3 phase, but now many have changed to ECM type or 3phase with VFD.
I feel ya. Been crazy so far this year.
This year more so than others
Very helpful!
I'm glad to hear it
Hi Chris!. These intermitent problems are a pain and sometimes the hardests to solve. I'd have changed the fan motor relay as well (cheap). What do you think about measuring condenser motor winding resistance with a megohmeter? Thanks for quality content you share!
I will discuss this on my livestream this evening 7/1/24 @ 5:PM (pacific) on RUclips come on over and check it out ruclips.net/user/liver8Zs9swa6cE?si=IXBBHZFjAcTmXHSw
Hi boss were you able to check the old capacitor under load?
Quick question, why are we not worried about the suction saturation at 33'f? Sorry for asking because I must have missed something in the explanation.
Most of the time we have undersized ductwork causing low airflow but in this case we also had a low load in the building if I remember correctly
I will discuss this on my livestream this evening 7/1/24 @ 5:PM (pacific) on RUclips come on over and check it out ruclips.net/user/liver8Zs9swa6cE?si=IXBBHZFjAcTmXHSw
@@HVACRVIDEOS Oh! I didn't realize improper duct size could cause Sat Temp that low unless it was totally blocked. You just reminded me of "ABC" air before charge XD.
Thank you!
I will totally try to make time for the Q/A!
Yes, you made me yawn! 😂
Lol
maybe the sign should read, "cold food and hot patrons"
Have a question? Different from this. If your condensate pump doesn’t work will it cause the air handler to stop working as well because when I turned back on everything only the condensing unit was the only thing running what do I need to do?
What would you do for a r410 unit that has a low side of 140, a high side of 310 and line temps are almost equal in temps(71 and 76)? I want to learn.
You guys never do heating related stuff?
Yes, but not often because of our warmer climate
I will discuss this on my livestream this evening 7/1/24 @ 5:PM (pacific) on RUclips come on over and check it out ruclips.net/user/liver8Zs9swa6cE?si=IXBBHZFjAcTmXHSw
Where do you get the cutable filters
Dammit man! I yawned......but it's also 4:30 am in Texas.....so there is that.
Are you up early or staying up late ?
@@HVACRVIDEOS ummmm...... yes. Emergency call woke me up at 2:30am and just said, screw it. Stay up.
Could it have been an overamping compressor that could’ve caused the overload ????
Good question, I'll discuss this a bit on my next Live Stream this coming Monday
I will discuss this on my livestream this evening 7/1/24 @ 5:PM (pacific) on RUclips come on over and check it out ruclips.net/user/liver8Zs9swa6cE?si=IXBBHZFjAcTmXHSw
Anybody else had a bunch of leaks on those Lennox units?
How are you able to turn off unit and not trigger the duct detectors?
I will discuss this on my livestream this evening 7/1/24 @ 5:PM (pacific) on RUclips come on over and check it out ruclips.net/user/liver8Zs9swa6cE?si=IXBBHZFjAcTmXHSw
I will try, I'm in Florida so might be down for the count by then. Will it be available to watch at a later date? Plus thank you for the response. Love your stuff.
Chris if this is at the same place all the time where the 120/208 is consistently low, someone needs to call the power co
the voltage dropping below 200 is unacceptable
they should aim for HIGH end voltages, maybe 215
This is a normal thing in the Southern California area, the utility won’t do anything about it
@@HVACRVIDEOS goddamn, that;s not good, undervolting is bad :( ...is it still SCE there?
I will discuss this on my livestream this evening 7/1/24 @ 5:PM (pacific) on RUclips come on over and check it out ruclips.net/user/liver8Zs9swa6cE?si=IXBBHZFjAcTmXHSw
yawned here. 18 hr day and watching !
You need to keep a record on all the units you work on
🙌🤘
Thanks for watching Joe
48 thumbs up
Thanks for watching
I am gonna guess
AC is dead because of 1 of three factors
1: some idiot messed with the unit(either during cleaning on the rare customer who does the required maintenance, or just an entitled manager who should not fuck with the thermostat)
2: environmental damage(California is sandy and is like all human lands, full of things disposed of improperly that can ruin motors by jamming them with literal garbage
3: the ducting or some other factor did not match the unit, which has caused it to operate outside of airflow and load conditions(often due to failure to keep air intakes clean, or resize ducts when upgrading unit ratings
suprise me HVACR, show me someone who kept their unit in ideal conditions and it is 100% dead to JUST age
I yawned
you're exhausted ? you need to think about you and give a little less
I appreciate that
Yawning! Stop.
Yyaaawwn
I've been on the roof for the past 2 weeks doing Carrier controls economizers, etc. They suck
It very well could be the low voltage issues. I guess there's nothing you can do about that. It's an external infrastructure issue. And yes you made me yawn 🥱 Lol