Here is a general listing of possible causes of oil failure trips:
To learn more, download Oil Pressure Problems in Refrigeration Systems
Superheat generally does not affect actual oil return to the compressor crankcase unless the superheat is set so high that it caused a starved condition resulting in low return gas velocity or evaporator icing. Low superheat at the compressor results in liquid refrigerant being present in the oil sump. The violent action of liquid refrigerant boiling in the crankcase will cause oil to be blown out into the system resulting in low oil levels. Liquid refrigerant in the compressor’s pressurized lubrication system will result in a loss of net oil pressure resulting in an oil failure trip, bearing damage due to the loss of lubrication to bearing surfaces and possible valve damage to due liquid slugging caused by the returning oil.
To learn more, download Principles of Refrigeration Superheat.
The 3-way valve you are referring to is called a headmaster. The headmaster maintains a minimum liquid pressure at the receiver by injecting hot gas on the liquid surface and by stacking liquid refrigerant in the condenser thereby reducing the condenser capacity during low ambient conditions.
To learn more, download Flooded Condenser Using a Headmaster.
The 3-way valve has horsepower limitations. Larger units produce mass flows much high than the capacity of the largest 3-way valve. In these situations a Dual valve System is used to maintain a minimum discharge pressure. The Dual Valve System uses an Open on Rise of Inlet Pressure Valve (ORI) and an Open on Rise of Differential Pressure Valve (ORD)
To learn more, download The Dual Valve System ORI/ORD.
Head pressure control and the use of a heated Insulated receiver are two separate subjects. Climatic Conditions dictate the use of mechanical head pressure controls. Application and calculated run times (based on expected winter load) dictate whether to use the heated insulated receiver option.
If extended winter off cycle periods are expected even in mild climates then a heated Insulated Receiver may be an option to consider. For example an outdoor walk in cooler in northern Kentucky may require a heated insulated receiver due to extended off cycle periods in the winter months due to low product loads rather than winter design temperatures for that area. On the other hand, a walk in freezer in the same area sized for an 18 hour run time and heavy winter product loads may not require a heated insulated receiver since it will not be subjected to extended off cycle periods.
To learn more, download Requirements for Extreme Low Ambient Conditions.
Condenser fan cycling does have limitations. Most compressors require airflow from the condenser for compressor cooling. A condensing unit having only one condenser fan motor would not be a good candidate for pressure fan cycling since the condenser fan could be off for extended periods of time.
Another consideration is the affects of wide pressure swings on the TEV since liquid pressure is an opening force of the valve.
To learn more, download Pressure Fan Cycling.
When fans cycle too rapidly, the condenser does not have sufficient time to stabilize and often, the controls overshoot the set points. Large swings in temperature can shorten the life of any condenser. Typically a 20 psig minimum differential is a good starting base line. You may have to adjust up from this point considering that fan cycling in excess of three minutes is considered excessive.
To learn more, download Condenser Fan Cycling Control Points.
There are several options to consider depending on horsepower, type of compressor and the severity of the load variations. The simplest for minor variations is to increase the dead band of the room thermostat. Other options include sizing the equipment to that they come on line in stages to maintain the desired box temperature. Wider load variations can be best controlled through capacity control. This includes hot gas bypass and or mechanical unloaders to balance the system capacity to the load.
To learn more, download Capacity Control Tech Topics.
There are too many variables to allow for a short answer. Please refer your concerns to an Application Engineer.
To learn more, download Horizontal Air Flow Condensers.
Maybe you missed air throw and air distribution. Evaporators are intended to be Non-ducted but airflow and throw is an important factor to consider. Usually unstable product temperatures are directly related to Evaporator coil selection, airflow restrictions and air throw.
To learn more, download Nonducted Air Flow Condensers.
These are typical symptoms of an improperly selected nozzle. Liquid temperature at the expansion valve not only affects nozzle selection but also affects the TEV selection since colder liquid has more capacity. Typically nozzles and expansion valves are selected based on the BTU capacity of the condensing unit divided by the number of evaporators, 95°F. ambient and 105°F. condensing with a 90°F. to 95°F. degree liquid temperature. If the liquid temperature or the design condition change the selection may not be correct for the application. Consult an Application Engineer.
To learn more, download Refrigerant Distribution.
Chances are there was nothing wrong with the original valve. All indications point to a wet system. The expansion valve will feed until the saturated suction temperature reaches 32F the freezing point of water. The wet refrigerant and oil will block the TXV until the internal temperature reaches the melting point and the blockage clears. The remedy is good service and installation practices to ensure a clean dry system. Recover the refrigerant, replace the driers and oil if its POE, evacuate to 500 microns or less and recharge. This problem should go away provided the system is clean and dry.
To learn more, download Evacuation of a Refrigeration System.
There could be many factors, but the most common is the transformer tap is not plugged into the spade that closest resembles the incoming voltage. Set the 208/240 tap on the transformer accordingly.
One minute. The numbers on the dial will be .1 and then 3.5. The dial should be a little less than halfway between the two marks.
Close the valve at the outlet of the receiver while the unit is in "Coo", (or manually pump the system down by holding the compressor contactor in), until you get to 1 or 2 psi. Switch the system to SERVICE. The valve should be 100% closed. Cycle power at the board, by disconnecting and re-connecting one side of the 24 volt low voltage. This will sync the valve with the board.
Crack the valve at the outlet of the receiver to gradually pressurize the liquid line. Watch the low pressure gauge. If the valve seats properly you should not see a rise in suction pressure. If you do see a rise in suction pressure the valve is not seated and may need to be replaced however prior to replacing the valve refer to page 19 of the I and O manual and ensure the valve harness is plugged in according to the diagram with the widest spade on terminal C.
Check the resistance of the actuator (150 ohms) across A & B and C & D as indicated in the diagram.
Switch the system to the TEST MODE. Disconnect the valve harness from the Beacon II Board. Check for voltage output (18 to 33 VAC) across the A & B and C & D connections. (or the two top pins, then the two bottom pins). Voltage is present only when the valve is pulsed. (Every 15 seconds)
No voltage may mean a bad board (no output).
Simply place in the “Service” mode at the toggle switch on the condensing unit or press the “forced service” button twice on the Beacon II board. If there is a Smart Controller, the board option will not work but it can then be placed in service at the Smart Controller through the Program Review option.
Simply move the wire from #8 (comp) to #10 (24 V). That will send power to your condensing unit.
This is a rare occurrence when the outdoor sensor wiring is shorted or grounded. The field wiring is connected to terminal #1 and #2 on the Beacon2 board. Disconnect the wires and repower the board. The error display should disappear.
Since the outdoor sensor is not critical to the operation of the Beacon2 board, it can remain unconnected. Otherwise, re-run the wires as time permits.
This typically is a result of low, secondary voltage on a 230v system. If the secondary voltage feeding the board drops to below 22 volts, it will ‘reset the board.’ Upon restart, the board simply displays OFF with no error code.
Check the primary voltage on the Beacon2 transformer. The factory setting for the primary tap is for 230v. If the primary voltage is at or below 215v, move the primary wire to the 208v tap. This will have the effect of raising the secondary voltage to around 24-26v.
And additional cause of low secondary voltage is a high load in the control circuit. A nicked field wire from either the “COMP’ or the ”C” terminal or a compressor contactor coil drawing too many amps can cause a drop in the secondary voltage. Inspect the field wires for nicks and grounds and replace as needed. Measure the contactor coil for very low resistance. Replace as needed with a new 24v contactor.
Place the sensor into a water and ice mixture and check the sensor’s resistance assuming 32 F degree water. Sensor response should be 32,650 ohms at 32 F degrees. Replacement of the sensor would be required if the reading is +/- 1000 ohms (approximately 1 degree F).
Table 1 in the Beacon II Installation and Operations Manual, available here, has various resistances/ temperatures for your reference.
Simply place a new sensor into the original location. If a replacement sensor is not on hand, you may use the defrost sensor or outdoor temperature sensor relocated for room temperature or suction temperature use.
Measure suction pressure at the evaporator and compare to the Beacon II displayed pressure by using the “Monitor” feature of the board. Observe the reported value at “SCP” - evaporator suction pressure.
Values are required to be within 2 PSIG for proper superheat control of the evaporator. Replacement of the sensor is handled as any other pressure control. Remove and replace the control, securing wiring away from any heat or source of abrasion.
All units sold by Heatcraft Refrigeration Products are covered under the standard catalog warranty. The basic terms of the standard catalog warranty is as follows:
Products warranted for one year from date of original installation, or eighteen (18) months from date of original shipment, from Heatcraft Refrigeration Products, whichever occurs first.
Replacement parts used on equipment past warranty terms are warranted for 1 year from date of installation.
Whenever possible, replacement parts are to be obtained from a local authorized Heatcraft Refrigeration Products wholesaler. Replacement parts which are covered under the terms of our warranty statement will be reimbursed for total cost of the part only plus applicable taxes. The original invoice from the wholesale parts suppler must accompany all warranty claims for replacement parts reimbursement. Processing or handling fees assessed by parts wholesalers are not reimbursable under Heatcraft's warranty terms.
Contact Heatcraft Refrigeration Product's warranty department at (800) 537-7775 with the model and serial number of the equipment that was serviced along with the equipment's original installation date.
Warranty claims should be submitted to the original purchaser of your Heatcraft Refrigeration Products equipment. If assistance is needed to identify the equipment's original purchaser you can contact Heatcraft Refrigeration Product's warranty department at (800) 537-7775 with the model and serial number of the equipment that was serviced.
Heatcraft Refrigeration Product currently does not have a warranty claim form. Instead, all warranty claims for Heatcraft equipment are processed through the original purchaser of the equipment serviced.
The original purchaser must receive written permission from Heatcraft Refrigeration Products to return the product. Contact your Heatcraft Sales Representative or a Heatcraft Refrigeration Product's warranty representative at (800) 537-7775.
Heatcraft Refrigeration Products does not have authorized service contractors. A qualified refrigeration service contractor of your choice is permitted to service Heatcraft equipment as needed. All service contractors should contact Heatcraft Refrigeration Products warranty department to confirm warranty status prior to beginning any service related work.
If you are a Heatcraft Refrigeration Products customer, you can use the WebWarranty claims process on Access2Answers to order the replacement part.
To locate an authorized Heatcraft Refrigeration wholesaler, use our wholesaler locator. You can also contact a Heatcraft Refrigeration Products Customer Service Representative at (800) 537-7775 between the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM Eastern Time or by clicking one of the various wholesaler links found on Heatcraft Refrigeration Products Warranty Webpage.
You can contact Heatcraft Refrigeration Product's warranty department at (800) 537-7775. Make sure to have your Heatcraft equipment serial number handy for reference purposes.
WebWarranty is an online claims filing process available to Heatcraft Refrigeration Products customers through Access2Answers.
WebWarranty guides users through a simple online claims process through a series of tabs and information prompts. With this tool, users can submit claims for replacement parts directly and receive instant claim credit. Claims status can also be viewed online once a claim is filed. Documentation to substantiate the claim may still be required.
To access WebWarranty, you must be a member of Access2Answers with a valid username and password.
Send an e-mail with your name, company name, and phone number to hrpd.feedback@heatcraftrpd.com with the subject: Access2Answers Login Problem. Or use our Contact Us page.
Contact your Heatcraft Refrigeration Sales Representative. If you need a contact, use our Find a Sales Rep.
If you need technical assistance, email sesweb@heatcraftrpd.com. Please include your name, address and daytime phone numbers.
