2-5
Overload Protector
The overload protector prevents the com-
pressor from burning out its electrical wind-
ings in the event the compressor becomes
overheated or draws too much current. The
overload trips, opening the circuit to the
compressor. If it does this repeatedly, the
compressor is said to be cycling on the
overload.
Cycling on the overload may be caused by:
1. Insufficient air circulation around the
compressor and condenser.
2. Pull-down on the compressor, caused
by a large quantity of warm food
placed in the refrigerator.
3. Compressor stalling due to lack of pres-
sure unloading.
4. Low line voltage.
5. Defective start relay.
6. Defective winding in the compressor or
shorted windings.
Testing the Overload Protector
Disconnect the unit from the power
source.
To test the overload protector, remove the
compressor terminal cover. Examine the
bottom of the overload for signs of arcing.
If signs of arcing are present, either check
for continuity or connect a jumper wire
across the terminals. If using a jumper wire,
plug in the line cord and set the tempera-
ture control to a cold setting. If the com-
1. Remove the PTC and overload from the
compressor.
2. Connect one ohmmeter probe to the
compressor shell. Make sure the probe
makes good contact with bare metal.
One at a time, connect the other ohm-
meter probe to each of the three com-
pressor terminals.
3. If the meter shows no continuity to
ground, install PTC and overload pro-
tector to the compressor's terminals. If
the meter indicates the compressor ter-
minals are grounded, replace the
compressor.
4. Attach a jumper wire across the over-
load terminals.
5. Make sure the jumper wire does not
short to ground.
6. Reconnect the unit to power source. If
the compressor starts, the overload
protector is defective and must be re-
placed.
pressor starts, the over load is defective
and must be replaced. If the compressor
fails to start, check for a defective start re-
lay or compressor.
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