HVAC AC Compressor Locked Up ( LRA )

HVAC AC compressor locked up. This video is about how to check locked rotor amps ( LRA ) on a HVAC AC compressor. If the air conditioner is trying to start but is failing to do so, it's possible that the compressor is drawing locked rotor amps and is seized up. In this video I explain what LRA is, how to measure it, and what can be done to fix a seized up compressor.
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➡️ Various Hard Start Kit Options and Sizes:

SPP6 Hard Start Kit:
Supco with Electronic Potential Relay:
Supco with Mechanical Potential Relay:
5-2-1 Compressor Saver (1-3 ton units):
5-2-1 Compressor Saver (3.5-5 ton units):
Rectorseal Kickstart (1-3 ton units):
Rectorseal Kickstart (3.5-5 ton units):
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For More Repair Videos:
🔋 Capacitor Playlist:
🔍 How to Read Refrigerant Gauges:
🔥 Furnace Repair Playlist:
❄️ AC Repair Playlist:
💧 Water Heater Playlist:
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🛒 Parts mentioned in my AC videos:

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⚠️ Disclaimer:
This video is for educational purposes. All appliance and HVAC repair work should be done by a trained professional. Word of Advice TV is not responsible for any possible damages or injuries caused by the use or misuse of the provided information.
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[vaccumme]

I installed a 5-2-1 on my 2 Ton Condenser even though it did not need it. The in rush current went down dramatically ! It now starts even smoother that it did before.

[prn]

Awesome video! I had an HVAC tech come by this morning to replace a busted capacitor. He said he also found higher than normal LRA, so I came to YouTube to learn more about what that meant. I feel a lot more confident now about understanding how my ancient heat pump works and what my options could be moving forward.

[bobsmolinski]

A technician tested my home AC and said I needed a new compressor because it would not start. A few days later another technician arrived with the new compressor. Thanks to your website I asked a few questions. The technician put in another capacitor and a booster. The AC started and all diagnostics tests were fine. This saved me $1, 750.00. This video helped me understand enough to ask the right questions. Super. Thanks.

[borys]

Just made a donation to u via PayPal. U have helped me over the weekend to get my furnace working again. I can’t thank u enough for all that u do. U r a true lifesaver and I feel that I need to pay u for ur time and knowledge. Thank u again and keep up the great work.

[Bilmor]

Thank you so much for making the life of an HVAC student like me A LOT EASIER!!!

[galagatron]

Your a hero to us newbies. You have pulled me out of some tough times. I feel confident watching your videos. This makes me feel good and I treat people nice because I am having a good day.

[toluwanimialabi]

I'm glad that you broke it down very effectively.

[laurencemiltonbell]

I initially measured my HVAC AC compressor, that has a LRA of 95 amps, with a min/max clamp on meter and got a reading of 75.7 amps and I thought that's good. Then a friend of mine got in my head and told me I needed an inrush meter for that measurement. I caved and bought one and then got a reading of 95.7 amps. I just ordered a hard start kit and hopefully that helps.

[jamesedwards]

Hope you’re do a video on the “Micro-Air EasyStart” soon. It’s a soft start, just the opposite of the hard start. It will drop the inrush amps 60 to 70%.

[patrickphippspa]

Bingo Bango! Another welcome video buddy! Nothing better than a quiet Sunday morning sipping on some java and listening to Jay on another instalment of Word of Advice! Thanks again Jay, hope you and the family are very happy in your new location and thanks for the after the video information. I LIVE for that part of the video. LOL. Take care!

[boblevey]

It’s always clear and helpful when you demonstrate!!!

[jaimegonzalez]

Awesome video for the young cats very useful not everyone can explain it like you thanks for your patience an help keep up the good work and I'll wait for the next video.

[jarvisgranger]

Thanks dude you are much more resourceful and clear cut them most technicians. Keep building my guy 💪👍👍

[kaundabwalya]

I owez get it 💯 when u explain Man.. God bless you 🙏

[davidtrainer]

Jay! Just received my first HVAC contractor job this week! 10/12/20 was my first day, your UEI meter that I got because of you surprised the guy field training me. Cheers bud, thank you so much for these videos. I may rock a GoPro at one point and make some of my own. In the meantime, maybe you should do a video or truck stock and/or how you organize your truck?

[Capt-Intrepid]

I recommend changing them every 5 years. Only use Hard Start Kits that use a true Potential Relay. The RectorSeal Kickstart (2 wire) and the 5-2-1 Compressor Saver (3 wire) use a Potential Relay. I recommend the RectorSeal Kickstart (it uses 2 wires that connect to the Run Capacitor - HERM and COM). But the Compressor Saver is also good (3 wires with one connecting to the common / ground on the Contactor).

They both work the same way - the Potential Relay detects the pickup voltage (back EMF). This causes the relay to disconnect the start capacitor when the compressor reaches about 75% speed (less than a second).

Note: Before any hard start kit is installed, the compressor run capacitor should be replaced or at least checked to confirm it is still within its rated specifications using a capacitance meter.

Note: Supco does have hard start kits with a Potential Relay (Models 3W1, 3W2, 3W3, MPR1, MPR5, SPR5, SPR1, SPP4E, SPP5E, SPP6E, SPP7E, SPP8E, SPP9E, SPP10E) but some don't!

[ctconger]

That is correct without INRUSH engaged the reading will not be the actual inrush current because the meter does NOT sample the current often enough.

[jessieestrada]

Thanks for the video sir, very helpful.

[tobyoverton_hvacr]

Compressor savers do NOT reduce the maximum inrush current. They provide extra starting torque, causing the amount of time that the compressor is pulling LRA to be reduced, but for the moment of inrush, the compressor saver INCREASES the current.

[condor]

I checked the max amps and amp draw right at the main panel for the double pole circuit breaker that supplies the AC. . Each leg had a max draw of -80 amps (81 on one and 77 on the other) on start up and ran at 17.5 amps steady state. Used a Fluke 87V in high res mode. The RLA is 23.7 amps and the LRA is 129.0 amp per the specs on the unit. It’s a 4 ton (48, 200 BTU) unit. I do have a 5-2-1 kit on it as well. I’ve never tried it but I don’t think my 7500 W peak generator will start this unit.

PS those coils are very dirty! Thanks for posting