Understanding Refrigerator Compressors
Refrigerators are an essential appliance in our homes, responsible for keeping our food fresh and our beverages cool. At the heart of every refrigerator lies the compressor, a crucial component that ensures proper cooling. Just like any other mechanical device, compressors can malfunction over time due to various reasons. If your refrigerator is not cooling as it should, it might be time to ohm out the compressor. In this step-by-step guide, we will explore the process of ohming out a refrigerator compressor so that you can diagnose and troubleshoot the issue yourself.
Why Ohm Out a Refrigerator Compressor?
When a refrigerator fails to cool, there could be several reasons behind it. It could be a faulty thermostat, a defective fan motor, or even a malfunctioning compressor. By ohming out the compressor, you can determine if it’s the root cause of the cooling problem or if you need to look elsewhere. Ohming out is a testing technique that measures the electrical resistance in the compressor windings and helps you assess its functionality.
Gathering the Necessary Tools
Before you begin ohming out your refrigerator compressor, it’s essential to gather the necessary tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Multimeter: A digital multimeter will be your best friend during this process. Ensure that it’s functioning correctly and set it to the resistance or ohms setting.
2. Screwdriver: A screwdriver will help you remove the appliance’s back cover and access the compressor terminals.
3. Safety Gloves: As you’ll be working with electricity, it’s important to wear safety gloves to protect yourself from potential hazards.
Locating the Compressor and Accessing the Terminals
The compressor is typically located at the back of the refrigerator. To access it, you’ll need to remove the back cover. Start by unplugging the refrigerator from the power source to avoid any accidents. Once disconnected, use a screwdriver to unfasten the screws securing the back panel. Keep these screws somewhere safe, as you’ll need them when you’re done.
With the back panel removed, you’ll have clear visibility of the compressor. Take a moment to identify the terminals on the compressor. You’ll usually find three terminals labeled “S,” “C,” and “R.” These terminals correspond to the Start, Common, and Run windings, respectively.
Ohming Out the Compressor
Now that you’ve located the compressor and its terminals, it’s time to begin the ohming out process. Follow these steps carefully:
1. Set the multimeter to the resistance or ohms setting. Make sure it’s calibrated correctly.
2. Attach the multimeter leads to the “S” and “C” terminals on the compressor. Take note of the resistance reading displayed on the multimeter. Ideally, the reading should be within a specified range mentioned in your refrigerator’s user manual. If the reading is significantly higher or lower than the expected range, it indicates a problem with the Start winding.
3. Next, remove the multimeter leads from the “S” and “C” terminals and attach them to the “S” and “R” terminals. Again, take note of the resistance reading. Similar to the previous step, if the reading deviates significantly from the specified range, it suggests an issue with the Run winding.
4. Finally, remove the multimeter leads from the “S” and “R” terminals and connect them to the “C” and “R” terminals. Record the resistance reading displayed on the multimeter. If this reading diverges considerably from the expected range, it indicates a fault in the Common winding.
Interpreting the Results
After you have obtained the resistance readings for the Start, Run, and Common windings, it’s time to interpret the results. Here’s what each scenario might indicate:
1. Within Specified Range: If the resistance readings for all three windings fall within the specified range mentioned in your refrigerator’s manual, it suggests that the compressor windings are in good condition. In this case, the compressor is likely not the cause of your cooling issues, and you should explore other potential culprits.
2. Abnormally High Resistance: If any of the resistance readings are abnormally high or display an infinite value on the multimeter, it indicates an open winding. This means that the specific winding has a break in the electrical circuit, and the compressor is faulty. A professional repair or replacement may be necessary.
3. Abnormally Low Resistance: Conversely, if any of the resistance readings are abnormally low, close to zero, or display a shorted value, it implies a shorted winding. This indicates an electrical fault in the winding, and similar to an open winding, professional assistance may be required.
Putting It All Together
Now that you have successfully ohmed out your refrigerator compressor, you have a better understanding of its condition and whether it’s contributing to your cooling problems. Remember, if your compressor has failed or is not functioning optimally, it’s crucial to consult a professional repair technician or contact the refrigerator manufacturer for guidance on the next steps to take.
By following this step-by-step guide, you have taken a significant step towards troubleshooting your refrigerator’s cooling issues. Ohming out the compressor is a valuable diagnostic technique that can help you save time and money by pinpointing the source of the problem accurately. However, if you feel uncomfortable or unsure during any part of the process, it’s always best to seek professional assistance to avoid further damage or potential risks.