Excess electrical current draw (beyond standards)

Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps · Air Conditioning Capacity · printed page 215 (PDF page 216)

Book index entries

Excess Electric Current Draw Electric Current Draw – Excessive on Air Conditioning Compressor Air Conditioning – Compressor Compressor – Air Conditioning

Text in the illustration

using an amp-meter, measure the draw of the air conditioner at the electrical panel (be sure to subtract the amperage related to the condenser fan)
the measured amperage should be 60% to 90% of the rated load amperage (RLA) indicated on the data plate
if the current draw is at or above the RLA, the compressor may be near the end of its life
STOVE
distribution panel
15 AMP FUSE
to A/C
black wire
red wire
the current can be measured at either the red or black wire
neutral wire
neutral bus bar
amp meter

Generated explanation

The illustration shows an open fused electrical distribution panel with a circuit leading to an air conditioner. A clamp-on amp meter surrounds the red conductor, and an annotation identifies either the red or black conductor as a current measurement location. The panel also contains fuse holders, a stove disconnect, and a neutral bus bar. The instructions state that condenser fan amperage should be subtracted from the air conditioner measurement to determine compressor current draw, and give an expected range of 60% to 90% of nameplate rated load amperage (RLA). They warn that current at or above RLA may indicate a compressor nearing the end of its life; no specific measured reading is shown.