HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs Podcast Por Bryan Orr capa

HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs

HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs

De: Bryan Orr
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 HVAC School is the ever growing online source for real training topics for technicians in the Air-conditioning, Heating and Ventilation Fields. In the podcast, we will share recorded training, tech ride alongs, share challenging diagnostic scenarios. All to help make the industry, your company, and your truck a better place to be. Desenvolvimento Pessoal Economia Sucesso na Carreira
Episódios
  • Crankcase Heaters - Short #248

    Crankcase Heaters - Short #248
    Jul 8 2025

    In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about crankcase heaters, including their different types, what they do, and when we need to use them.

    Crankcase heaters usually come in belly band varieties, but some can be inserted into the sump of the compressor. As their name suggests, crankcase heaters heat the crankcase when the compressor is off. They prevent flooded starts since the heat keeps refrigerant from condensing to a liquid in the compressor when the system isn't running.

    Long off times, long line sets, and cold temperatures all increase a system's risk of flooded starts. Hard shutoff TXVs, liquid line solenoid valves, and crankcase heaters are all ways to reduce these risks; the valves hold liquid refrigerant back, and crankcase heaters merely prevent refrigerant from condensing.

    Crankcase heaters have to be wired to the line side of the contactor or starter. They're often wired around one of the contacts (with a single-pole contactor). When the contact opens, there is a circuit from one leg, through the crankcase heater and compressor windings, to the other leg. This method does NOT use the compressor winding itself as a crankcase heater. When you use a crankcase heater on a compressor with a seam, you want the part of the heater that does the tensioning near the seam. Crankcase heaters should be installed at the base of the compressor, and you'll usually use OEM crankcase heaters.

    "Crankcase Heaters and Single-Pole Contactors" tech tip: https://www.hvacrschool.com/crankcase-heaters-and-single-pole-contactors/

    Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.

    Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium.

    Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.

    Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

    Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android
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    8 minutos
  • The Contactor Reimagined w/ Copeland

    The Contactor Reimagined w/ Copeland
    Jul 3 2025
    In this episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan welcomes back Jim to discuss the groundbreaking SureSwitch contactor technology from Copeland. This isn't just another incremental improvement - it's a complete reimagining of how contactors should work in modern HVAC systems. Jim brings his expertise and even demonstrates the technology with a special cutaway camera setup, giving listeners and viewers an inside look at this innovative solution. The conversation begins with the evolution of contactors in the HVAC industry, explaining how manufacturers moved backward from heavy-duty two-pole contactors to lighter, more cost-effective one-and-a-half pole designs. While this cost reduction made sense for manufacturers, it often left technicians dealing with more frequent failures and replacements. The SureSwitch represents a leap forward, combining the reliability of traditional heavy-duty contactors with modern electronic intelligence and enhanced protection features. One of the most compelling aspects of the SureSwitch is its multi-voltage coil capability, supporting 24V, 110V, and 240V applications with a single unit. This flexibility dramatically reduces inventory requirements for contractors and service companies, allowing one contactor to handle residential HVAC, refrigeration cases, ice machines, and pool heaters. The universal application makes it particularly valuable for smaller businesses that need to stock fewer SKUs while maintaining the ability to handle diverse applications. The technical innovation behind the SureSwitch's longevity is fascinating. Using an optical sensor (described as a "little eye" in the sealed chamber), the contactor monitors for electrical arcing during contact opening and closing. The built-in microprocessor analyzes the 60Hz AC sine wave and times the contact operation to occur at the zero-crossing point, eliminating destructive arcing. This "no-arc zone" operation, combined with latching contacts that prevent chatter during brownout conditions, results in contacts that remain clean and functional even after a million cycles - five times longer than traditional contactors. Key Topics Covered · Contactor Evolution and Industry Innovation o Historical perspective on contactor design changes from heavy-duty to cost-optimized o Why the HVAC industry needed to innovate forward rather than continue cost-cutting · Multi-Voltage Flexibility o Single contactor handles 24V, 110V, and 240V coil applications o Reduces inventory requirements and simplifies contractor operations o Applications include residential HVAC, refrigeration, ice machines, and pool heaters · Arc-Free Contact Technology o Optical sensor monitoring system for detecting electrical arcing o Microprocessor-controlled timing to operate at AC sine wave zero-crossing o Five times longer contact life compared to traditional contactors · Chatter Elimination and Latching Mechanism o Internal power supply eliminates dependency on weak control voltage o Magnetic latching system prevents contact bouncing during brownout conditions o Protection against undersized control wiring and long wire runs · Sealed Contact Chamber Design o 100% sealed contact chamber prevents insect and debris contamination o Eliminates common failure modes from ants, earwigs, and lizards o Reduces need for pest control interventions · Built-in Compressor Protection Features o Brownout protection with automatic voltage monitoring (184V threshold) o Random start delay (0-90 seconds) for multiple unit installations o Short cycle timer protection working independently of thermostat timers · Installation and Compatibility Considerations o Compatible mounting holes with standard contactors o Proper crankcase heater wiring configurations o Training considerations for technicians adapting to new terminal layout · Warranty and Business Applications o 10-year warranty vs. standard 1-year contactor warranties o Good-better-best selling scenarios for contractor businesses o Applications in high-end residential and commercial installations Learn more at the SureSwitch at http://www.hvacrschool.com/SureSwitch. Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android
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    44 minutos
  • Capacitor Testing and Replacement - Short #247

    Capacitor Testing and Replacement - Short #247
    Jul 1 2025

    In this short podcast episode, Bryan goes through the process of testing and replacing a run capacitor.

    Run capacitors provide continuous phase-shifted current to the start winding, allowing the motor to run in the right direction and with the appropriate amount of torque. These capacitors are needed in most of the single-phase PSC motors we work with. Run capacitors are in the circuit all the time and are connected in series with the start winding (compared to start capacitors, which need to be taken out of the circuit after startup). They don't actually "boost" voltage. The bigger the capacitor, the more current can move in and out of the start winding.

    Run capacitors are made of foil and oil (and the manufacturing quality usually correlates to the capacitor's lifespan), and they usually fail due to overvoltage or overheating. Capacitors may also be replaced with one of a higher voltage rating but not a lower one.

    Before you test a capacitor, perform a visual inspection. Bloated tops and oil leakage are signs of failure. You'll also want to measure the microfarads and make sure it's within range. An under load test occurs while the system is running (and should NOT be done on blower capacitors for safety reasons). Bench testing happens while the system is off and the capacitor is disconnected and discharged. We have calculators for testing on our app.

    To test under load, measure the amperage on the start wire and multiply it by 2652. Then, divide that number by the voltage to find the capacitance in microfarads. If the capacitance is over 10% low, replace the capacitor. When replacing a capacitor, make sure the system is off, the capacitor is discharged, and that you tighten the strap and wire it up correctly. It's also a good idea to bench test the new capacitor.

    "Capacitor Testing and Replacement Procedure" tech tip: https://www.hvacrschool.com/capacitor-testing-and-replacement-procedure/

    "What Is Up With Blower Amps & Watts w/ Steve Rogers" podcast: https://www.hvacrschool.com/podcasts/what-is-up-with-blower-amps-watts-w-steve-rogers/

    Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.

    Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium.

    Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.

    Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

    Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android
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    18 minutos

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