2007 Electrolux Side-By-Side Refrigerator Service Manual

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Section C - Electrical Components

Compressor Run Circuit

When the self-heating solid state relay has reached sufficient temperature, it will abruptly change from low resistance (3-12 ohms) to very high resistance

(10-20K ohms) and, in effect, switches off the start windings.

The relay no longer shunts the run capacitor.

The run capacitor is now in series with the start windings. The only purpose of the run capacitor is to improve compressor operating efficiency, which it does by correcting the power factor of the compressor motor (See Figure C4).

Figure C4

Compressor Operating

Characteristics

• When the compressor electrical circuit is energized, the start winding current causes the relay to heat and switch off the start winding circuit.

NOTE

The relay will switch off the start winding circuit even though the compressor has not started

(as when attempting to re-start after momentary power interruption).

• The overload protector is designed and calibrated to open the compressor electrical circuit with locked rotor run winding current on.

• With an open relay, the compressor will not start since there is little or no current to the start windings. The overload protector will open due to high locked rotor run winding current.

• With a shorted relay or capacitor, the compressor will start, and the overload protector will open.

• With an open or weak capacitor, the compressor will start and run. The compressor, however, will be operating at reduced efficiency of energy usage.

Compressor Electrical Check

If the compressor will not run, make a voltage check across the power lead terminals on the PTC

Relay. (See Figure C4.)

The voltmeter should show line voltage if the thermostat knob is in normal operating position and not in the OFF position. If this check does not show a live circuit, the control thermostat and defrost timer wiring should be checked for loose and/or broken connections.

A control thermostat check can be made by using a piece of wire as a temporary bridge across two thermostat terminals. If the compressor starts and runs with the bridge, the control thermostat is at fault and should be replaced.

If the voltage check shows power supply at the

PTC Relay terminals, use a test cord to check the compressor.

If the compressor does not start and run with the test cord, check the line voltage to see if there is more than 10% variation from the rated voltage. If voltage is correct and the compressor will not start and run, replace the compressor.

If the compressor starts and runs with the test cord, replace the PTC Relay.

Compressor Electrical components and Circuits for

Models with Variable Capacity

Compressor

The new series of very high efficiency compressor is equipped with a new electrical power input electronic control to replace the standard start package.