Filter
Top Products
12166240009
COMPRESSOR START RELAY
This is a current type relay and contains a N.O. contact which is connected in series with the start winding of the
compressor. The relay coil is electrically in series with the run winding. When power is applied, the compressor
draws high current which sets up a magnetic field around the magnet coil which causes the relay to operate,
closing the relay contact. As the compressor approaches operating speed, the current flowing through the coil
decreases, permitting the relay contact to open, thereby opening the starting circuit.
POTENTIAL RELAYS
The potential relay is used as a compressor starting relay, The contact in the potential relay is N.C.. The
magnet coil is connected across (parallel) the start winding and is affected by induced voltage, generated by the
start winding. As the compressor comes up to design speed, the voltage across the relay coil increases and at
running speed is sometimes as much as 2 1/2 times the supply voltage. This voltage sets up a magnetic field
which causes the relay to operate. The starting relay is calibrated to remove the start capacitor (open the
starting circuit) at approximately 85% of the motor design speed.
NOTE: BOTH TYPES OF RELAYS ARE DESIGNED TO OPERATE WITHIN VERY NARROW LIMITS OF
VOLTAGE AND CURRENT DICTATED BY MOTOR DESIGN, THEREFORE, WHEN MAKING A
REPLACEMENT OF A RELAY ALWAYS PROVIDE AN EXACT REPLACEMENT, RECOMMENDED
BY THE COMPRESSOR MANUFACTURER.
CAPACITORS – GENERAL
An electrical capacitor is a device which stores up electrical energy. Capacitors are used with single phase
motors to provide starting torque and improve running characteristics; by feeding this energy to the start winding
in step with the run winding.
Any capacitor has three (3) essential parts, two (2) of which are usually foil plates separated and insulated by
the third part called the dielectric.
Two general types of capacitors are used with electric motors. The electrolytic starting capacitor usually uses a
very thin film of oxide on the metallic plate as the dielectric. The running capacitor usually is of the liquid filled
type.