The compressor of a fifth HP is a widely used machine in refrigeration and freezing equipment with a storage volume between 300 and 400 liters. These are often piston-type compressors, mainly used in single-phase installations.
This type of compressor operates with various types of refrigerant gases, with the most common being R134A, R404A, and R600A.
The regular or nominal consumption of a compressor is also known by the acronym RLA.
Comparing the RLA with the consumption of an installed unit allows for precise diagnostic procedures and the detection of possible system failures, such as:
1. Electrical system problems with the compressor. Amperage is an important metric for evaluating the electrical health of the compressor, which can help identify issues in the motor or electrical circuit. For example, when one coil of the compressor is grounded, the consumption is excessive, triggering the thermal overload or overcurrent protector.
2. Diagnosis of the appropriate amount of refrigerant: Amperage can serve as an indicator to verify if the amount of refrigerant in the system is sufficient. Unusually low amperage could be a sign of insufficient refrigerant, while high amperage could indicate an excess.
3. Gas compression. Amperage can also help determine if the compression process of the refrigerant gas is functioning properly. When the compressor motor starts but compression is low, the compressor’s consumption is lower than the nominal value.
4. Identification of pipe obstructions: Issues like pipe obstructions can affect the refrigerant flow and, therefore, the compressor’s amperage. Unusually low amperage can be an indication of obstructions in the capillary.
5. Condenser and evaporator problems. When there are issues with the condenser, the equipment’s consumption is usually higher than normal. When there are issues with the evaporator, the current consumption is usually lower than normal.
Now, let’s look at the regular consumption of a fifth HP compressor based on voltage.
- A compressor powered by 110 volts has a regular consumption of 1.88 amperes.
- A compressor powered by 115 volts has a regular consumption of 1.80 amperes.
- A compressor powered by 120 volts has a regular consumption of 1.73 amperes.
- A compressor powered by 127 volts has a regular consumption of 1.63 amperes.
- A compressor powered by 220 volts has a regular consumption of 0.94 amperes.
- A compressor powered by 230 volts has a regular consumption of 0.90 amperes.
- A compressor powered by 240 volts has a regular consumption of 0.86 amperes.