How many amps??

[ajdelange]

Is it possible that the amp rating for the unit refers to just the compressor rather than the overall pull by the unit?? With the compressor pulling 12a alone might it stand to reason that an extra 5 or so amps are simply the being pulled by the lights, fans etc.?

Probably not. The numbers on the name plate should reflect the maximum the unit takes unless otherwise specified.

You can check the draw of individual other components (if you can access their leads). Condenser fans usually run only when the compressor is running but evaporator fans sometimes run continuously so a feed (black) wire reading when the compressor is off may not reflect the load of everything but the compressor.

You can also look for a rating plate on the compressor motor itself which may give data on the compressor's current demand. 'FLA' (Full Load Amperes) or 'RLA' (Running Load Amperes) tell you how much the compressor should draw when running. 'LRA' is Locked Rotor Amperes and a something we hope you won't have to deal with (except at startup). RLA would tell you what the compressor should draw. But note that the actual running amperes depend on the load i.e. on the suction and condenser pressures within the refrigerant circuit. Some variation is normal but a consistently high RLA could be indicative of, for example, low suction pressure.

Would it be possible that the unit is functioning correctly this entire time or am I just being desperately hopeful?

Probably not. Thinking further about it the main winding pulling the full 12 amps leaves nothing for the rest of the system and probably indicates a problem with either the compressor or refrigeration circuit.

I should also point out that I am not a refrigeration guy. I know (knew) enough to pass the cert so I can buy the refrigerants but that's about it.

 

[dmarc85]

20a circuit installed DIY. Runs like a dream. Next is my 50a 240v