If the compressor is locked up, what does it matter? Maybe the overload is shot.

 

Shorted out

 

LRA is a little deceiving in terms, "Locked Rotor Amps" is the amount of inrush current the motor will have MOMENTARILY as it begins to turn. It only exist for a few hundredths of a second. When the power very first hits the motor, it is a resistive load, as soon as the rotor and stator become magnetically saturated it is not working the same, Ohm's law for DC circuits doesn't apply anymore.

If the rotor fails to turn, one can't expect the LRA to be the maximum, that only applies when the rotor DOES turn and reactance and impedance take over. If it doesn't turn then the load is resistive in nature and since energy can only be converted, no rotation = conversion to heat as the windings become oversaturated and the amps will continue to rise until something gives, a winding or an overload.

Time for a new comp.

 

It’s “locked rotor” amps. It very definitely does apply to a bound compressor. Much higher than LRA indicates a turn to turn short.

 

Inrush is higher than LRA.
Not the same thing.

 

Geez.

 

Oh my lol

 

He did say started but I doubt he ment that. Also no voltage measurement with that amp draw.

 

I misread that it did start before tripping overload. Check all your wiring and/or try pulling power from another source. Your voltage could be dropping on start up causing excessive amp draw.

 

Actually the inrush is the current to saturate the rotor and starter with magntism.since it applies to transformers, coils and such I digress, it is not the "same" as LRA. Inrush doesnt account for any of the mechanicals associated with the compressor, just the saturation requirements of the electrical.

The NEC defines inrush, LRA, and starting current quite similarly but doesnt address the difference.

 

Could try reversing it using a compressor analyzer if it’s locked up. Or try the old BFH method. If neither work, time to replace it.

 

Since it is a copeland, why not measure the resistance between all three leads, and compare it to what the copeland app says it should be? Also mega that ***** and see what you have to ground.