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Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
The following links provide answers to frequently asked questions: General Questions Compressor Technical Questions Copeland Scroll™ Compressor Technical Questions R-410A Questions If you do not find an answer to your question, please contact us so we can help you.
General Questions   Click on the links below to view answers: The Copeland brand product compressor in my air conditioner at home failed. How do I get warranty? How can I contact Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.? Where can I find Copeland brand product information? Where can I purchase Copeland brand products? Who should I contact about an invoice or purchase order discrepancy? Where can I find information on Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.  technical training? Where can I find the latest Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. news and press releases? Where can I find a brief overview of Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.’s businesses? Where can I learn about the history of Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.? Where can I find information on Emerson, Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.’s parent company? What types of employment opportunities are available at Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.? Where can I find information about Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. internships and co-ops? Can I link my business with Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.’s website? If you do not find an answer to your question, please contact us so we can help you. Q1.  The Copeland brand product compressor in my air conditioner at home failed. How do I get warranty? ANSWER:  The compressor is just one component of your air conditioning system. For warranty, service and questions regarding its operation you need to contact the manufacturer of the equipment or a local dealer representative. Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. extends it's warranty to the original equipment manufacturer and authorized Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. wholesalers. Top Q2.  How can I contact Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.? ANSWER:  Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. is headquartered in Sidney, Ohio, USA, and manufactures its products in company-operated and licensed facilities in 11 countries throughout North America, Europe and Asia. For general questions, please click on contact us or call Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.’s Sidney headquarters at 937/498-3011.  To send packages or correspondence to Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. headquarters, use the following address: ATTN: (Department Name) Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. 1675 West Campbell Road P O Box 669 Sidney OH USA  45365-0669 Contact information for Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.’s global sales offices can be found on the Canada, Americas, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Europe pages. Top Q3.  Where can I find Copeland brand product information? ANSWER:  Product information for specific applications can be found on the refrigeration, air conditioning residential, air conditioning commercial and natural gas/distributed power product pages. Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.'s Online Product Information (OPI) database is also a good resource. Top Q4.  Where can I purchase Copeland brand products? ANSWER:  If you are a contractor or service technician search the Copeland brand products wholesaler directory to find the authorized wholesaler nearest you. If you are a Copeland brand products authorized wholesaler, contact customer service in Greenfield, Indiana: Distribution Services 6579 West 350 N Suite A Greenfield IN 46140 PHONE: 317-968-4299 If you are a Copeland brand products authorized Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), contact your customer communicator. If you are still uncertain who you need to go to, please click on contact us. Top Q5.  Who should I contact about an invoice or purchase order discrepancy? ANSWER:  If you are a Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. supplier/vendor, contact Accounts Payable: ATTN: Accounts Payable Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. 1675 West Campbell Road P O Box 669 Sidney OH USA  45365-0669 Phone: 937-498-3011 If you are a Copeland brand products authorized wholesaler, contact customer service in Greenfield, Indiana: Distribution Services 6579 West 350 N Suite A Greenfield IN 46140 PHONE: 317-968-4299 If you are a Copeland brand products authorized Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), contact your customer communicator. If you are still uncertain who you need to go to, please click on contact us. Top Q6.  Where can I find information on Copeland brand product technical training? ANSWER:  Visit the training page for information on Copeland brand product's renowned Compressor Operation & Service Seminars (COSS), as well as order forms for videos, workbooks and literature. Top Q7.  Where can I find the latest Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. news and press releases? ANSWER:  Go to news to find Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.'s latest articles and press releases. Top Q8.  Where can I find a brief overview of Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.'s businesses? ANSWER:  Visit the who we are page to learn more about Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. and its business divisions. Top Q9.  Where can I learn about the history of Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.? ANSWER:  The history page chronicles the last 80 years at Copeland. Top Q10.  Where can I find information on Emerson, Emerson Climate Technologies' parent company? ANSWER:  Emerson's website at www.gotoemerson.com features the annual report, press releases, articles, shareholder information and information on the company's business segments. Top Q11.  What types of employment opportunities are available at Emerson Climate Technologies? ANSWER:  Visit careers to see the exciting employment opportunities available at Copeland's Sidney, Ohio, USA headquarters and its global facilities. Top Q12.  Where can I find information about Emerson Climate Technologies internships and co-ops? ANSWER:  Go to careers to learn about Copeland's various internship and co-op programs. Top Q13.  Can I link my business with Emerson Climate Technologies' website? ANSWER:  Please contact us to inquire about site links. Back to top^
Scroll Questions   Click on the links below to view answers: How does a Copeland Scroll™ compressor work? Copeland Scroll compressors have axial and radial compliance.  What does this mean? Can I hurt a Copeland Scroll compressor if I run it backwards? How are Copeland Scroll refrigeration and air conditioning compressors different? What do Copeland Scroll refrigeration compressor model numbers signify and what refrigerants are approved for use with them? How is oil control accomplished with Copeland Scroll refrigeration compressors on multiple compressor racks? How is oil management accomplished in parallel applications with Copeland Scroll compressors? Why is injection needed on low-temp Copeland Scroll compressors? Can Copeland Scroll compressors handle liquid? What are the pressure/temperature settings for Copeland Scroll refrigeration compressors? How are Copeland Scroll compressors mounted? Do Copeland Brand Product wholesalers stock replacement Copeland Scroll compressors? If you do not find an answer to your question, please contact us so we can help you. Q1.  How does a Copeland Scroll compressor work? ANSWER:  Two, spiral-shaped members fit together, forming crescent shaped gas pockets. One member remains stationary, while the second orbits relative to the first.  As the spiral movement continues, gas is drawn in and forced toward the center of the scroll form, creating increasingly higher gas pressures and discharging the gas from the port of the fixed scroll member. Visit the scroll technology page for additional information and to watch an animated scroll demonstration. Top Q2.  Copeland Scroll compressors have axial and radial compliance.  What does this mean? ANSWER:  Copeland brand product's compliant design provides both axial and radial compliance between scroll members, increasing compressor life. "Compliance" is the ability to separate under abnormal conditions. This feature eliminates interference contact, which can cause breakage. Axial compliance allows the scroll to remain in continuous contact in all normal operating conditions, ensuring minimal leakage without the use of tip seals.  Radial compliance allows the scroll members to separate sideways so debris can pass through, substantially improving durability and reliability.  The combination of axial and radial compliance result in the scrolls actually "wearing in" rather than "wearing out".  Continuous flank contact, maintained by centrifugal force, also minimizes gas leakage and maximizes efficiency of the compressor. Top Q3.  Can I hurt a Copeland Scroll compressor if I run it backwards? ANSWER:  Copeland Scroll compressors are direction-dependent, meaning they will compress in just one rotational direction. Three-phase scrolls will rotate in either direction, depending on power phasing. Here, the service technician should be aware of potential problems associated with reverse rotation. Prolonged operation in reverse result in insufficient lubrication, scroll galling and scroll set damage. Look for the following signs to verify reverse rotation: Discharge and suction pressures do not change Noisy operation (note: noise at shut down is a sound issue only; it will not cause damage) Current draw is substantially reduced compared to tabulated values If it is a three-phase scroll, determine the proper rotation at start up by observing that the suction pressure drops and discharge pressure rises.  In addition, a phase monitor is recommended to eliminate the possibility of reverse rotation.  Larger scrolls (7.5 to 15 hp) incorporate a phase monitor and timed lock-out control in the motor protection module to protect against reverse rotation and power interruptions.  For single-phase compressors, a timed lock-out control is recommended in case there are brief power interruptions. Top Q4.  How are Copeland Scroll refrigeration and air conditioning compressors different? ANSWER:  At first glance, refrigeration scroll compressors look very much like their air conditioning counterparts.  But these two products are really quite different. Refrigeration scrolls undergo a number of design changes before they can meet the distinct performance demands of commercial refrigeration equipment.  For example, you won't find liquid injection capability or an oil sight glass on an air conditioning scroll compressor. Top Q5.  What do Copeland Scroll refrigeration compressor model numbers signify and what refrigerants are approved for use with them? ANSWER:  Copeland Scroll refrigeration compressors (such as ZBxxKA-PFV) are designated by a "Z" in the first position of the model number.  The second position determines the application range (B = high/medium temperature, S = medium temperature, F = low temperature). The third and fourth positions represent the first two digits of the capacity of the compressor at its standard rating conditions and the fifth position gives the multiplier for the capacity (C = 100, K = 1,000, and M = 10,000). The sixth position designates the compressor's model generation. If there is a seventh position before the dash prior to the electrical designation, it will be an E (Polyol Ester oil) or an L (shipped less oil).  If there is nothing in the seventh position, the compressor has mineral oil in it.  Electrical designations (such as PFV) are the same as other Copeland brand products models.  For picture diagrams, go to Online Product Information (OPI) database and search nomenclatures by product category. Copeland Scroll refrigeration compressors shipped with mineral oil are only approved for R-22.  However, models shipped with Polyol Ester or less oil are approved for use with R-22, R-404A, R-507, and R-134a. Top Q6.  How is oil control accomplished with Copeland Scroll refrigeration compressors on multiple compressor racks? ANSWER:  Copeland Scroll refrigeration compressors used on multiple compressor racks must use oil separators and oil distribution systems similar to those used for semi-hermetic racks. However, the Copeland Scroll does not have a positive displacement oil pump like those found on most semi-hermetics. So there is no way to measure oil pump pressure as an indication of adequate lubrication. To protect Copeland Scroll refrigeration compressors against a lack of oil, you must use a float type system to sense the oil level in the compressor. The Copeland approved oil level management control combines the functions of level control and timed compressor shut-off, should the level not come back to normal within a set period of time. This device has been found to provide excellent performance on Scroll compressors and is recommended for parallel system applications. Top Q7.  How is oil management accomplished in parallel applications with Copeland Scroll compressors? ANSWER:  On rack applications all compressors require the use of an oil management system to maintain proper oil level in the compressor crankcase. Unlike reciprocating compressors, scroll oil pumps do not have accompanying oil pressure safety controls; instead, they require an external oil level control. The control should combine the functions of oil level control and timed compressor shut-off should the oil level not come back to normal within a set period of time. Immediately after system start-up, the oil reservoir level will fluctuate until equilibrium is reached. You should careful monitor the oil level during the first 24 hours to assure sufficient oil is available and to prevent any unnecessary trips of the oil control system. Top Q8.  Why is injection needed on low-temp Copeland Scroll compressors? ANSWER:  Refrigeration scrolls operate with either liquid or vapor injection, making a wider operating envelope available.  The liquid injection function feeds a steady flow of liquid to the middle of the scroll compression cycle to cool compressor components. This does not affect the compressor's performance as it would a reciprocating compressor. Injection is controlled by a liquid solenoid valve and cap tube metering device which feeds more liquid as head pressure rises.  A current sensing relay is also required if the charge exceeds 4.5 kg (10 lbs.).  It will stop the flow of liquid if the overload protector trips. Liquid injection is the simplest to pipe and the lowest-cost option, and it can be used any time refrigerant injection is required. Top Q9.  Can Copeland Scroll compressors handle liquid? ANSWER:  Scrolls handle liquid better than most other compressor types, but still can require additional accessories for optimal protection.  Those accessories include: Accumulators are recommended for systems with large refrigerant charge or those that allow for uncontrolled refrigerant floodback. Crankcase heaters are required for three-phase systems with large refrigerant charge and in/outdoor applications. Top Q10.  What are the pressure/temperature settings for Copeland Scroll refrigeration compressors? ANSWER:  As with all compressor types, it is important to monitor and control pressure and temperature in refrigeration scroll applications.  A discharge line thermostat is required on all models from 2 to 6 hp. It is set to shut off the compressor at 125°C (250°F) or less.  The thermostat must be insulated if the application is outdoors.  It should also be located 12.5 cm (5 inches) from the discharge connection to the compressor.  Both high and low-pressure controls are required.  The low-pressure control is required for protection against deep vacuum. This can result in arcing of the internal electrical connections and cause permanent damage to the compressor. Top Q11.  How are Copeland Scroll compressors mounted? ANSWER:  Compressor mounting must be selected by application, with special consideration given to sound reduction and tubing reliability.  Use hard mounts for multi-scroll racks, and soft mounts for single scroll units. Top Q12.  Do Authorized wholesalers stock replacement Copeland Scroll compressors? ANSWER:  Due to the fact that low-temp scrolls are adaptable for use on high, medium, and low temp applications, authorized wholesalers will stock this model for use on all equipment.  Specification sheets with compressor rating data (amps, capacity, watts, and mass flow) are also available at your local Authorized Wholesaler or can be found on Emerson Climate Technologies' Online Product Information (OPI).   Back to top^
Compressor Technical Questions   Click on the links below to view answers: Where can I find information on Copeland brand product technical training? How much oil is in a hermetic compressor and what is a complete recharge? When should oil be added to a system because of line length and how much when there is no sight glass in the compressor? There are many oil additives that claim to increase compressor or system efficiency, others that neutralize acid or find leaks. What oil additives does Copeland approve? Does Copeland limit the length of line runs or vertical risers? How can I tell if the compressor is operating properly? A single-phase unit dims the customer’s lights when it starts. What can be done to remedy this? Can a universal capacitor and relay be used with Copeland brand product compressors? Will replacing the compressor solve a unit’s noise problem? Are pressure relief valves required to be used on remanufactured compressors purchased from Copeland brand product wholesalers? What do I do if the oil pressure safety trips? What would cause a compressor to run in a rapid cycling mode? What would cause my compressor to overheat? What needs to be checked when an erratic oil pressure control trips? What needs to be checked when a compressor trips on protector? How do I know if a compressor is operating to capacity? What is considered good oil pressure? What are the proper methods to determine operating superheat, sub-cooling and net oil pressures? Which starting components should be used with Copeland brand product’s new single-phase welded models? Should a suction line filter drier be installed before or after an accumulator? Can I use a receiver on a cap tube system? Can I directly replace R-12 with R-134a refrigerant? Is it acceptable to use R-404A and AB? Why do refrigeration manufacturers recommend only 80% to 90% of original system charge when retrofitting to some HFCs? Can I purchase pistons, rods, bearings and cranks? How can I dispose of my failed compressor? If you do not find an answer to your question, please contact us so we can help you. Q1.  Where can I find information on Copeland brand product technical training? ANSWER:  Visit the training page for information on Copeland’s renowned Compressor Operation & Service Seminars (COSS), as well as order forms for videos, workbooks and literature. Top Q2.  How much oil is in a hermetic compressor and what is a complete recharge? ANSWER:  The amount of oil in fluid ounces is on the nameplate in the box marked oil.  A complete recharge is four fluid ounces less than this amount since some of the oil remains in the compressor after draining. For more information on oil used in Copeland brand products compressors see Online Product Information. Top Q3.  When should oil be added to a system because of line length and how much when there is no sight glass in the compressor? ANSWER:  The answer depends more on the amount of refrigerant in the system and the compressor’s oil pumping rate than on the amount of tubing surface to be wetted.  A rule of thumb is to multiply the amount of refrigerant in the system by 2.2% and multiply this number by 16 fl.oz./lb. Subtract from this result 10% of the fluid ounces shown on the compressor nameplate and add the remaining amount to the system.  This means that most systems don’t need additional oil unless the refrigerant charge exceeds 35 pounds. Example: System charge is 50 lbs., compressor oil charge from nameplate is 108 fl. oz. 50 lbs. x .022 x 16 fl.oz./lb. - (108 fl. oz. x 0.10) = 6.8 fl.oz. of oil to be added. For more information on a related oil management topic see Online Product Information. Top Q4.  There are many oil additives that claim to increase compressor or system efficiency, others that neutralize acid or find leaks. What oil additives does Copeland approve? ANSWER:  The long-term effect of chemical additives on refrigerants and materials used in the compressor are not known without time-consuming, rigorous laboratory tests.  The use of most of these additives is strongly discouraged by Copeland and may result in voiding the compressor warranty.  Application Engineering Bulletin 17-1282 states Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.’s position on additives.  An exception is the fluorescent leak detection dye, AR-GLO®, made by Spectronics Corporation, which can be used in systems with R-22 and mineral oil in accordance with its instructions. For more information on this topic see Online Product Information. Top Q5.  Does Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. limit the length of line runs or vertical risers? ANSWER:  Since Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. is a component supplier we lack the field experience to adequately answer piping questions such as this.  We would recommend following the system Original Equipment Manufacturer's (OEM) guidelines, if available.  Where such information is not available, we would recommend using standard ASHRAE piping guidelines or the tables found in Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.’s refrigeration manuals AE-101 through 105.  These are available through a Copeland brand product wholesaler for a nominal fee. For more information on a related topic see Online Product Information. Top Q6.  How can I tell if the compressor is operating properly? ANSWER:  The best way to determine if a compressor is pumping properly is with a set of gages, an amp meter and the compressor specification sheet. Measure the operating discharge and suction pressure as well as the amperage.  Using the compressor curve sheet, found on Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.'s Online Product Information database, compare the amperage reading at the measured pressures.  Because of voltage variations and measurement inaccuracies the measured amperage should compare to the actual curve sheet values within +/- 15%.  Never check compressor operation by closing the suction valve to see how low the suction will go. This might actually cause damage to the compressor because of heat build up. Top Q7.  A single-phase unit dims the customer’s lights when it starts. What can be done to remedy this? ANSWER:  The simplest device to reduce light dimming caused by voltage droop while the compressor is starting is to add a start capacitor and relay.  The capacitor and relay will reduce the amount of time the compressor is in locked rotor and thus reduces the amount of time the bulbs dim to a tolerable flicker. For more information on this topic see Scroll Start Components. Top Q8.  Can a universal capacitor and relay be used with Copeland Brand Product compressors? ANSWER:  The only universal start assist device approved for Copeland brand product single-phase compressors is a PTCR (Positive Temperature Coefficient Resistor) device with a resistance as low as 12.5 ohms or higher. These devices are made by various manufacturers and are applied parallel to the run capacitor.  They are approved only as low volt start assist with piston compressors in systems where the refrigerant pressure equalizes or scroll bearing units.  All other applications must use the specified Copeland brand product start capacitor and relay combination. For more information on this topic see Scroll Start Components and Compressor Start Components. Top Q9.  Will replacing the compressor solve a unit’s noise problem? ANSWER:  In many cases, replacing the compressor will not resolve the sound issue and it is recommended that different possible noise sources be explored before a compressor exchange is considered.  The noise radiated by A/C systems can be generated by: Compressor noise as an airborne sound Structural vibration of system’s components such as refrigerant pipes, panels etc. Outdoor/indoor fan Because of the interaction between these sources of noise, it is sometimes difficult to pinpoint the origins of noise using the ear only.  In general, the compressor is not the principal noise generator if the noise is heard only indoors or if the noise is still present when only the fan is running. For more information on this topic see Scroll Sound Enclosures.   Top Q10.  Are pressure relief valves required to be used on remanufactured compressors purchased from Copeland Brand Product wholesalers? ANSWER:  Any remanufactured semi-hermetic Copeland compressor (with the exception of 2Ds, 6Ds, and 8Ds) must have a low side pressure relief valve (P/N 998-0051-02) installed and set to a maximum of 375 psig if the compressor will be used with any of the R-502 replacement refrigerants approved by Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. .  While these compressors were originally built to meet industry accepted design safety factors for R-502, they may not meet these factors with the new higher-pressure refrigerants.  All new Copeland semi-hermetic compressor models - those manufactured since January 1, 1994 - meet the design safety factors for these new refrigerants.  Top Q11.  What do I do if the oil pressure safety trips? ANSWER:  If the oil pressure safety trips, perform the following analysis: Check the sight glass for the proper oil level or foaming. If there is insufficient oil in the compressor, loss of oil pressure will occur.  Foaming oil will also result in low oil pressure. Low oil level is usually caused by inadequate return of oil from the system.  The refrigerant piping, accumulator, oil reservoir, evaporator superheats, defrost scheme and oil floats should be reviewed. Foaming in the sight glass is an indication that liquid refrigerant may be present.  Liquid can return to the crankcase by migration during long off cycles or in large gusts when rapid system changes occur, as seen during defrost. Incorrect expansion valve settings are typically a cause.  A crankcase heater or suction accumulator may be needed. Top Q12.  What would cause a compressor to run in a rapid cycling mode? ANSWER:  Possible causes include: Compressor oversized for load The "cycle on" and "cycle off" range of low pressure control is set too close Undersized evaporator/suction line piping A leak in liquid line solenoid valve Oil float feeding erratically The compressor shows a high to low internal leak Top Q13.  What would cause my compressor to overheat? ANSWER:  Overheating problems occur when oil in a compressor is heated to the point where it loses its ability to lubricate.  If the heat is high enough, the oil breaks down chemically.   Major reasons for overheating due to discharge temperatures are: Low suction pressures High condensing pressures High compression ratios Low suction pressure is normally the result of incorrect pressure switch settings, pressure drop in suction line, light load operating conditions or restricted evaporator coils. High condensing pressures can be caused by inadequate airflow through the condenser, undersized discharge line/condenser, and overcharge of refrigerant or noncondensables in the system. High-pressure ratios are a combination of low suction pressures and high condensing pressures. If the compressor is operated within the manufacturer guidelines, this condition will not cause a problem. Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.  recommends monitoring discharge line temperatures to determine if the compressor is in a danger zone of overheating. Generally, discharge line temperature of 225ºF (107.2oC) and below will insure the compressor of a long life. Top Q14.  What needs to be checked when an erratic oil pressure control trips?   ANSWER:  First, we must recognize that there is no such thing as a nuisance oil control trip.  The tripped control is warning you of an existing problem.  The system should not be reset until you have looked in the sight glass and recorded the level. If the oil is below the glass, the system should be checked for leaks or oil logging.  Investigate for the oil return problem.  This could be corrected by longer or more defrost cycles, reducing short cycling, preventing low refrigerant charge, eliminating piping problems, etc.  If it is determined that oil should be added it must be removed once the problem is remedied. If the oil is above the glass, the system should be checked for the possibility of refrigerant diluting the oil.  Liquid refrigerant floodback could be identified by absence of superheat at the compressor.  It would be advisable to separate the refrigerant from the oil by heating the oil with a crankcase heater a few hours before starting or by jogging the compressor (quick start/stop of the compressor several times) until the foaming is controlled.  Remember the suction service valve should not be closed while jogging the compressor.  If the valve is closed the refrigerant and oil could manage a more violent explosion (flooded start) as there is less space for the initial start-up pressure to be pulled from. If the oil level is in the sight glass, the oil may be checked if it is too hot.  Identify this by checking the temperature six inches out on the discharge line.  The maximum is 225°F (107.2oC) at this distance.  Any higher temperatures could mean that the cylinder temperature is above 300°F (148.9oC) and it could cause oil control trips.  If the oil is foaming excessively it may have refrigerant dilution and may be identified as a floodback problem.  On refrigerant cooled semi-hermetic compressors, the problem