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Tecumseh CAJ9480T R22 Hermetic Compressor: Complete Technical Guide for Professionals

The Tecumseh / L’Unité Hermetique CAJ9480T is a fully hermetic reciprocating compressor designed for commercial refrigeration systems operating with R22 and compatible retrofit refrigerants. Widely used in small cold rooms, display cabinets and compact condensing units, it runs on 220–240 V single‑phase, 50 Hz power and delivers 5/8 HP with around 1.97 kW of cooling capacity at EN12900 conditions.​

General description

This model belongs to the CAJ family, Tecumseh’s workhorse range for medium and high back‑pressure refrigeration applications such as positive‑temperature cold rooms and commercial coolers. It is a hermetic piston compressor using a CSR motor (capacitor start, capacitor run), giving high starting torque and stable operation on standard single‑phase networks.​

Manufactured in France under the L’Unité Hermetique brand, the CAJ9480T combines compact size, good efficiency and a robust mechanical design, which explains its popularity among installers and service companies like Mbsmgroup, Mbsm.pro and mbsmpro.com.​

Main technical specifications (with HP and W)

The table below consolidates key data from Tecumseh specification sheets and trusted distributors.​

Specification	CAJ9480T value (R22, 50 Hz)
Refrigerant	R22 (and some approved retrofits such as R438A on specific codes)​
Application range	Medium / high back pressure (commercial refrigeration)​
Nominal horsepower (HP)	5/8 HP (0.625 HP)​
Nominal cooling capacity (W)	≈ 1 968 W at EN12900: 220 V, 50 Hz, +5 °C evap / +50 °C cond​
Input electrical power (W)	≈ 780–800 W at the same EN12900 rating point​
Displacement	15.2 cm³/rev​
Supply voltage	220–240 V, 1‑phase, 50 Hz​
Voltage range	187–242 V (50 Hz)​
Rated load amps (RLA, 50 Hz)	≈ 4 A​
Locked rotor amps (LRA)	≈ 24 A​
Oil type / quantity	Synthetic alkylate or mineral, approx. 475–887 cm³ depending on version​
Net weight	≈ 19–22 kg​

The nameplate visible in your photo shows “R22 – LRA 24 – 203–220 V – 50 Hz – RLA 4.00”, matching these published values and confirming a single‑phase CAJ9480T produced in France.​

Typical applications and field use

Because of its capacity, voltage and starting characteristics, the CAJ9480T fits many everyday refrigeration jobs.​

• Small cold rooms for butchers, restaurants, bakeries and mini‑markets originally charged with R22.
• Vertical display cabinets, reach‑in fridges and refrigerated counters using factory‑built condensing units.
• Custom‑built condensing units and mini‑packs produced by specialists such as Mbsmgroup, Mbsm.pro and mbsmpro.com, especially where reliable 5/8 HP performance is required on 230 V single‑phase.​

Its CSR motor and high starting torque help the compressor start under tougher conditions, such as long pipe runs or marginal supply voltage.​

Installation and maintenance best practices

Correct installation and servicing are essential to protect this compressor and keep systems efficient.​

• Flush and evacuate the circuit carefully, and always install a new filter‑drier when replacing a failed R22 compressor.
• Use the start and run capacitors and potential relay recommended by Tecumseh (for example, 88 µF start and 15 µF run on the CAJ9480T‑FZ code) and follow the official wiring diagram.​
• Verify charge, suction superheat and condensing temperature so operation stays within Tecumseh’s performance envelope.​
• For R22 retrofit projects, respect manufacturer guidance on compatible replacement refrigerants and oil changes to avoid lubrication and overheating issues.​

Working with trusted suppliers such as Mbsmgroup and its online platforms helps ensure genuine Tecumseh parts, correct electrical components and updated technical information.