[avjr]

Does anyone know who makes the variable inverter-driven rotary compressors in the 4 ton Bryant 189BNV and 186C units? On the carrier-enterprise site the compressor part numbers are listed as brand "RCD parts".

Different story for the 180C which has a variable inverter-driven scroll. This part number is shown as brand "Copeland".

Thanks,

 

[comfortdoc]

It’s a rotary compressor. I think made by Toshiba.

 

[avjr]

Thank you. I became interested in compressor manufacturers and designs because I have a condenser with the two-stage reciprocating Bristol that had issues and a recall (when Bristol was still operating as a company). Mine lasted about 7 years before failure. And now with variable speed compressors the inverter adds a complex circuit board, outside in cold and heat and perhaps susceptible to spikes, that must be factored into the reliability question.

With rotary, scroll and swing designs there are a lot of options for variable speed. It's hard to know what is proving most reliable.

 

[VTP99]

So are you looking for a compressor for yours ?

 

[Restaurant Mech]

As far as compressors go I haven't been able to pin most vs least reliable in a long time. Yes bristol made some garbage, and some Danfoss was as well.
But lately it seems to be a simple roll of the dice on whether they run 3 years or 20. And maintenance still plays a big role.
If going with an inverter system, at the MINIMUM install a surge protector at the power disconnect. Almost all inverter problems I see are from power surges

 

[avjr]

So are you looking for a compressor for yours ?

Perhaps? The unit is now almost 17 years old. The Bristol failed again not under warranty or recall (but it was overheating due to a bad run capacitor and from what I've read about that compressor's failure modes everything has to go perfectly for it to last a long time). I'm not sure replacing the compressor in a 16 year old condenser is the right way to go though I'm told the part is still available.

 

[avjr]

If going with an inverter system, at the MINIMUM install a surge protector at the power disconnect. Almost all inverter problems I see are from power surges

Thanks for this advice!