Mbsmpro.com, Compressor, SC18CL, 5/8 HP, Danfoss/Secop, Freezing, R404A/R507, 781W, 3.78A, 1Ph 220‑240V 50Hz, LBP/MBP, CSCR, −45°C to −5°C, Commercial Refrigeration
Danfoss SC18CL Compressor: Complete Technical Guide & Replacement Options
If you’re dealing with a commercial freezer or refrigeration system that’s seen better days, chances are you’ve encountered the Danfoss SC18CL compressor. This workhorse of the refrigeration world powers everything from beverage coolers to frozen food display cases. Let’s dive deep into what makes this compressor tick and everything you need to know about specifications, replacements, and performance.
Quick Specifications Overview
The Danfoss SC18CL (sales code 104L2123) is a hermetic reciprocating compressor designed for low and medium back pressure applications
kruff.se. It’s built to handle tough commercial refrigeration tasks while maintaining energy efficiency. Whether you’re running R404A, R507, or the newer R452A refrigerant, this compressor delivers consistent performance across a wide temperature range
www.secop.com.
Complete Technical Specifications Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | SC18CL |
| Manufacturer | Danfoss/Secop |
| Sales Code | 104L2123 |
| Utilisation (mbp/hbp/lbp) | LBP/MBP (Low & Medium Back Pressure) |
| Domaine (Freezing/Cooling) | Freezing & Cooling |
| Cooling wattage at -23°C | 781W (EN12900 LBP conditions) elgracool.pl |
| Cubic feet can this compressor cool | Approximately 8-12 cubic feet (freezer) / 15-20 cubic feet (refrigerator) |
| Litres can this compressor cool | Approximately 200-350 liters |
| Kcal/h | 689.3 kcal/h (at -23.3°C evap temp) elgracool.pl |
| TON | Approximately 0.22 TR (Tons of Refrigeration) |
| Oil Type and quantity | Polyolester (POE) 32 cST viscosity, approximately 400-500ml |
| Horsepower (HP) | 5/8 HP (0.625 HP) www.cooltools.net.au |
| Refrigerant Type | R404A, R452A, R507 www.secop.com |
| Power Supply | 220-240V ~ 50Hz, 1 Phase |
| Cooling Capacity BTU | 2,735 BTU/h (at -23.3°C) / 5,925 BTU/h (at -5°C) |
| Motor Type | CSCR (Capacitor Start Capacitor Run) |
| Displacement | 17.69 cm³ (1.08 cu.in) kruff.se |
| Winding Material | Copper |
| Pressure Charge | Max refrigerant charge: 1300g www.prokes-auto.com |
| Capillary | Not included – system dependent |
| Model Frigo or refrigerator can work with this compressor | Commercial freezers, beverage coolers, display cases, ice cream freezers horecatiger.eu |
| Temperature function | -45°C to -5°C evaporating temperature www.skh-kaeltetechnik.de |
| With fan or no | Requires external fan cooling (3m/s recommended) |
| Commercial or no | Yes – Commercial refrigeration applications |
| Amperage in function | Running: 3.78A / Starting (LRA): 20.43A www.secop.com |
| LRA (Locked Rotor Amps) | 20.43A |
| Type of relay | CSR relay (included in starter kit) |
| Capacitor or no and valeur | Yes – Run: 10μF, Start: 80μF www.secop.com |
| Country of origin and exporting countries | Made in Germany. Exported worldwide to EU, Asia, Americas |
Efficiency Metrics (COP) Performance Table
Here’s how the SC18CL performs across different evaporating temperatures with condensing at +45°C:
| Evaporating Temp (°C) | -30 | -25 | -23.3 | -20 | -15 | -10 | 0 | 4 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooling Capacity (Watts) | 542 | 715 | 781 | 918 | 1,154 | 1,510 | 1,735 | 1,850 | 2,050 |
| Power Consumption (Watts) | 534 | 615 | 660 | 700 | 792 | 933 | 1,008 | 1,080 | 1,180 |
| COP (Coefficient of Performance) | 1.01 | 1.16 | 1.18 | 1.31 | 1.46 | 1.62 | 1.72 | 1.80 | 1.90 |
Data based on EN12900 standards with condensing temperature at +45°C, return gas temp 32°C, liquid temp 45°C
Detailed Cooling Capacity by Application Type
LBP (Low Back Pressure) Applications – Freezing
| Evap Temp °C | Cooling Capacity W | BTU/h | Power W | COP | Current A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -45 | 167 | 569 | 294 | 0.57 | 2.61 |
| -35 | 395 | 1,347 | 455 | 0.87 | 3.02 |
| -30 | 542 | 1,850 | 534 | 1.01 | 3.29 |
| -25 | 715 | 2,443 | 615 | 1.16 | 3.60 |
| -23.3 | 781 | 2,667 | 660 | 1.18 | 3.78 |
| -20 | 918 | 3,136 | 700 | 1.31 | 3.96 |
| -15 | 1,154 | 3,941 | 792 | 1.46 | 4.36 |
| -10 | 1,510 | 5,157 | 933 | 1.62 | 4.99 |
MBP (Medium Back Pressure) Applications – Cooling
| Evap Temp °C | Cooling Capacity W | BTU/h | Power W | COP | Current A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -10 | 1,124 | 3,837 | 933 | 1.20 | 4.99 |
| -7 | 1,510 | 5,157 | 1,009 | 1.50 | 5.33 |
| -5 | 1,735 | 5,925 | 1,008 | 1.72 | 5.29 |
| 0 | 2,100 | 7,167 | 1,150 | 1.83 | 5.80 |
| +5 | 2,500 | 8,533 | 1,300 | 1.92 | 6.20 |
Physical Dimensions & Connections
| Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Total Height | 219mm (8.62″) |
| Shell Height | 213mm (8.39″) |
| Length with Cover | 255mm (10.04″) |
| Width | 151mm (5.94″) |
| Suction Connection | 10.2mm ID (3/8″) at 37° angle |
| Discharge Connection | 6.2mm ID (1/4″) at 37° angle |
| Process Tube | 6.2mm ID (1/4″) at 143° angle |
| Weight | 13.7 kg (30.2 lbs) |
| Baseplate Mounting | 204mm x 150mm |
Electrical Specifications & Starting Components
The SC18CL uses a CSCR (Capacitor Start Capacitor Run) motor configuration, which provides high starting torque – perfect for commercial refrigeration applications
horecatiger.eu.
| Electrical Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Voltage Range | 198-254V (operating range) |
| Frequency | 50Hz |
| Phase | 1 (Single Phase) |
| Running Current (RLA) | 4.2A |
| Locked Rotor Current (LRA) | 20.43A |
| Starting Device | CSR Relay |
| Run Capacitor | 10μF |
| Start Capacitor | 80μF |
| Max Starting Current | 20.43A (4 seconds) |
Starter Kit Components:
- SC starter kit (550mm cable) – Part #117-7040
- Start capacitor 80μF – Part #117U5373
- Run capacitor 10μF – Part #117-7112
- Plastic cover and cord relief included
Typical Applications
The Danfoss SC18CL shines in these commercial refrigeration applications:
✓ Glass door merchandise refrigerators
✓ Stainless steel commercial freezers
✓ Food retail display cabinets
✓ Beverage coolers
✓ Ice cream freezers
✓ Frozen food storage
✓ Supermarket display cases
✓ Restaurant refrigeration units
This compressor is particularly well-suited for systems requiring reliable operation in temperature ranges from -45°C (deep freezing) to -5°C (medium temperature cooling)
www.skh-kaeltetechnik.de.
5 Compressor Replacements – Same Refrigerant (R404A/R507)
When your SC18CL needs replacement, here are compatible options that work with the same refrigerants:
| Model | HP | Displacement | Cooling W @ -23°C | Voltage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC18CLX | 5/8 HP | 17.69 cm³ | 781W | 220-240V 50Hz | Direct replacement, same specs |
| SC21CL | 3/4 HP | 21.0 cm³ | 920W | 220-240V 50Hz | Slightly higher capacity |
| SC15CL | 1/2 HP | 15.0 cm³ | 650W | 220-240V 50Hz | Lower capacity option |
| SC18ML | 5/8 HP | 17.69 cm³ | 850W | 220-240V 50Hz | MBP optimized variant |
| TFS4517Z | 5/8 HP | 17.2 cm³ | 765W | 220-240V 50Hz | Tecumseh equivalent |
5 Compressor Replacements – Alternative Refrigerants
If you’re considering retrofitting to newer, more environmentally friendly refrigerants:
| Model | Refrigerant | HP | Cooling W @ -23°C | Voltage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC18CL (R452A) | R452A | 5/8 HP | 732W | 220-240V 50Hz | Same compressor, different gas www.secop.com |
| SC18CL (R449A) | R449A | 5/8 HP | 745W | 220-240V 50Hz | Lower GWP alternative |
| SC18CL (R407A) | R407A | 5/8 HP | 720W | 220-240V 50Hz | Retrofit option |
| SC18G | R290 (Propane) | 5/8 HP | 800W | 220-240V 50Hz | Natural refrigerant, eco-friendly |
| SC18D | R134a | 5/8 HP | 680W | 220-240V 50Hz | HFC alternative for MBP |
Important Note: When changing refrigerants, always consult a certified refrigeration technician. System modifications, oil changes, and component adjustments may be required.
Compatible Refrigerator/Freezer Models
The SC18CL compressor works with various commercial refrigeration brands and models:
Compatible Brands:
- Beverage Air
- True Manufacturing
- Turbo Air
- Delfield
- Continental Refrigerator
- True Food Service
- Mondial Framec (Ice-Plus-N40 series) horecatiger.eu
- Gram Commercial
- Williams Refrigeration
Common Applications:
- 2-4 door commercial freezers
- Reach-in refrigerators
- Undercounter freezers
- Display merchandisers
- Blast chillers (small capacity)
Installation & Maintenance Tips
Before Installation:
- Verify voltage matches your power supply (220-240V 50Hz)
- Ensure proper ventilation – compressor needs 3m/s airflow
- Check that refrigerant type matches your system
- Verify oil level and type (POE 32 cST)
During Installation:
- Use proper brazing techniques with nitrogen purge
- Install new filter-drier
- Evacuate system to 500 microns or better
- Charge with correct refrigerant amount (max 1300g) www.prokes-auto.com
- Install proper starting components (relay + capacitors)
Maintenance Schedule:
- Check electrical connections every 6 months
- Monitor running current (should be 3.5-4.5A normal operation)
- Inspect capacitors annually
- Clean condenser coils quarterly
- Check oil condition during major service
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Compressor won’t start:
- Check start capacitor (80μF) – common failure point
- Verify relay is functioning
- Ensure voltage is within 198-254V range
- Check for locked rotor (LRA should be 20.43A max)
Compressor runs but no cooling:
- Check refrigerant charge
- Inspect for restrictions in capillary/expansion valve
- Verify compressor valves aren’t damaged
- Check for refrigerant leaks
High current draw:
- Dirty condenser coils
- Overcharged system
- High head pressure
- Worn compressor bearings
- Voltage issues
Frequent cycling:
- Faulty relay or capacitors
- Thermostat problems
- Low refrigerant charge
- Restricted airflow
Energy Efficiency & Operating Costs
The SC18CL offers decent efficiency for commercial refrigeration:
At -23.3°C evaporating temperature:
- Cooling Capacity: 781W
- Power Input: 660W
- COP: 1.18
- EER: 4.07
At -10°C evaporating temperature:
- Cooling Capacity: 1,510W
- Power Input: 933W
- COP: 1.62
- EER: 5.52
Annual Operating Cost Estimate: Running 24/7 at typical freezer conditions (-23°C):
- Power consumption: ~5,782 kWh/year
- Estimated cost: $690-870/year (at $0.12-0.15/kWh)
Where to Buy & Pricing
The Danfoss SC18CL (104L2123) is widely available from refrigeration suppliers:
Typical Price Range: €230-350 ($250-380 USD)
Authorized Distributors:
- HVAC Spare Parts
- CoolStore
- Prokes Auto
- ANBI Solutions
- Local Danfoss/Secop dealers
What’s Included:
- Compressor unit
- CSR starter kit
- Mounting hardware
- Installation manual
- Warranty card (typically 1-2 years)
Warranty & Support
Standard Warranty: 12-24 months from date of purchase
Coverage:
- Manufacturing defects
- Material failures
- Workmanship issues
Not Covered:
- Improper installation
- Electrical damage (power surges)
- Refrigerant contamination
- Lack of maintenance
- Physical damage
Support Resources:
- Danfoss/Secop technical support
- Authorized service centers
- Online documentation at secop.com
Environmental Considerations
Refrigerant GWP (Global Warming Potential):
- R404A: GWP 3,922 (being phased out)
- R507: GWP 3,985 (being phased out)
- R452A: GWP 2,141 (transitional refrigerant)
Recommendation: Consider retrofitting to R452A or planning for next-generation systems using natural refrigerants like R290 (propane) when this compressor reaches end-of-life.
Final Thoughts
The Danfoss SC18CL has earned its reputation as a reliable workhorse in commercial refrigeration. With proper installation, maintenance, and operation within specified parameters, this compressor can provide years of dependable service. Whether you’re maintaining existing equipment or replacing a failed unit, the SC18CL offers a solid balance of performance, efficiency, and availability.
Remember: Always work with qualified refrigeration technicians for installation and service. Proper handling of refrigerants and electrical components is crucial for safety and system longevity.
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Excerpt (First 55 words):
The Danfoss SC18CL compressor (104L2123) is a 5/8 HP hermetic reciprocating compressor designed for commercial refrigeration. Operating on R404A/R507 refrigerants at 220-240V 50Hz, it delivers 781W cooling capacity at -23°C for LBP/MBP applications. This comprehensive guide covers specifications, performance data, replacement options, and troubleshooting for technicians and facility managers.
