compressor temperature

[mr-white]

dunno if this has been covered before but i couldnt see it, what is the optimal temperature for a compressor to run at and what happens if the temperature is too hot/cold ?

MW

[Stewie007]

You'll either find it on a label on the compressor, or on the datasheet. Mine, for example, has a label that says where it will optimally perform (in Superheat).

[mr-white]

does each compressor vary then ?

MW

[gkiing]

If the compressor runs above 220F the oil will begin to break down and you will loose the rubber seals inside it. Most compressors will ideally run 40-60C and will be cooled by the returning suction gas.

[Stewie007]

Mine states that it'll run best with a +20 Degree Superheat. The Medium Temp Compressors will likely run 40-60 like the king here says. :) Mine's a low temp.

[mr-white]

the reason i ask is ive got a stella fridge thats on max to keep the contents cool but the compressor is getting quite hot to touch.

MW

[_HL4E_HalfLife_]

If the compressor runs above 220F the oil will begin to break down and you will loose the rubber seals inside it. Most compressors will ideally run 40-60C and will be cooled by the returning suction gas.


I believe that oil temp has been increased because Rotary compressors can run up to 150c/300F with there thermal overload operating correctly. Most rotarys have that labeled right on the compressor and as do some recip's.

I little test u can try to know if ur compressor is running too hot is to put ur hand on top (recip) or on the side (rotary) and if u can keep ur hand there for 5 sec without removing it than ur compressor temp is ok.

BTW the temp the average human hand can tolerate before the object its touching becomes too hot is around 55 to 60c.

[gkiing]

I believe that oil temp has been increased because Rotary compressors can run up to 150c/300F with there thermal overload operating correctly. Most rotarys have that labeled right on the compressor and as do some recip's.

I little test u can try to know if ur compressor is running too hot is to put ur hand on top (recip) or on the side (rotary) and if u can keep ur hand there for 5 sec without removing it than ur compressor temp is ok.

BTW the temp the average human hand can tolerate before the object its touching becomes too hot is around 55 to 60c.

The oil will break down before 300f... no compressor can run for any length of time above 220f.

[mr-white]

ok its dropped a bit since yesterday but its @ around 50'c

MW

[Stewie007]

Most modern compressors have thermal overload protection that will shut the compressor down before it gets too hot.

[_HL4E_HalfLife_]

The oil will break down before 300f... no compressor can run for any length of time above 220f.

if thats true than all those thermal overloads are there for nothing than since none of them would ever trip. :nono: :slap:

[gkiing]

if thats true than all those thermal overloads are there for nothing than since none of them would ever trip. :nono: :slap:

The static overloads on most compressors have nothing to do with temperature, but the current drawn by the compressor. The compressor may still run at that temp but the oil will break down and it will fail, period.

[_HL4E_HalfLife_]

The static overloads on most compressors have nothing to do with temperature, but the current drawn by the compressor. The compressor may still run at that temp but the oil will break down and it will fail, period.

Yea they do go read the label on a rotary compressor it will say 150c/300f with thermal overload approved!!

[gkiing]

Yea they do go read the label on a rotary compressor it will say 150c/300f with thermal overload approved!!

I've yet to see any compressor with a thermal overload set to trip at 300F

[masterofpuppets]

I can't even touch my compressor for 2 seconds, let alone 5. But, it's been running for well over 2 days without any problems, so I assume it's fine? And, I've been using my computer for at least 2 months in this state.

[mr-white]

get a thermometer on the compressor

MW

[andL64]

hey ure talking bs i think, i dont know the max temps but a standalone mach/mach2 will get 70-80C i m sure i measured it and thats with fans blowing on it so i cant understand the 60C thats maybe in the first 20min. but if ure running the unit for some time no way!

seEn

no matter master 2 seconds is good like here, if ure finger gets burned its too hot ;)

[_HL4E_HalfLife_]

I've yet to see any compressor with a thermal overload set to trip at 300F

Thats odd because almost every compressor i have has it on the label.Heres pics of 3 different compressors 2 rotary's and 1 recip look for ur self.

[mr-white]

ok my compressors been going above 50'c but i cant tell because my themometer only goes up to 50'c :doh:

MW

[_HL4E_HalfLife_]

ok my compressors been going above 50'c but i cant tell because my themometer only goes up to 50'c :doh:

MW
50c?? dam that must be one cheap meter lol my $20 pocket UEI meter goes to 150c/302f