Embraco EM2Z 80HL.C compressor requires approximately 150 ml Oil
The Embraco EM2Z 80HL.C is a robust hermetic reciprocating compressor engineered for refrigeration efficiency. Featuring a 1/4 HP motor and optimized for R134a refrigerant, this Brazilian-made unit delivers reliable Low Back Pressure (LBP) performance. This…
| Specification Category | Technical Data |
|---|---|
| Brand | Embraco (Nidec) |
| Model | EM2Z 80HL.C |
| Refrigerant | R134a (Tetrafluoroethane) |
| Displacement | 6.76 cm³ (approx.) |
| Horsepower (HP) | 1/4 HP (Light) / 1/5 HP (Heavy) |
| Voltage/Frequency | 220-240V ~ 50Hz |
| Application | LBP (Low Back Pressure) |
| Evaporating Range | -35°C to -10°C (-31°F to 14°F) |
| Motor Type | RSIR / RSCR (Check Starting Device) |
| Locked Rotor Amps (LRA) | 5.32 A |
| Oil Charge Quantity | 150 ml (5.07 fl. oz.) |
| Oil Type | Ester (POE) ISO 10 |
| Expansion Device | Capillary Tube |
| Cooling Capacity | ~170 – 190 Watts (ASHRAE LBP) |
| Origin | Made in Brazil |
| Feature | Embraco EM2Z 80HL.C | Secop (Danfoss) TL5G | Tecumseh THG1365Y |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominal HP | 1/5+ to 1/4 HP | 1/6+ to 1/5 HP | 1/5 HP |
| Displacement | 6.76 cm³ | 5.08 cm³ | 5.90 cm³ |
| Voltage | 220-240V 50Hz | 220-240V 50Hz | 220-240V 50Hz |
| Efficiency (COP) | High | Standard | Standard |
| Motor Tech | RSIR/RSCR | RSIR/CSIR | PTCS_CR |
| Oil Type | POE ISO 10 | POE | POE |
Scroll Compressor Internal Components Explained
When technicians open a scroll compressor casing, the real engineering lives in internal mechanisms invisible at first glance: the floating seal preventing vacuum damage, the motor protector monitoring temperature and amperage, the pressure relief valve,…
| Performance Metric | Scroll Compressor | Reciprocating Compressor | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isentropic Efficiency | 85–92% | 70–80% | Scroll: 5–22% better |
| Pulsation (discharge side) | 0.2 bar | 2.5 bar | Scroll: 12× lower |
| Noise level | 5–15 dBA lower | Baseline | Scroll: Significantly quieter |
| Re-expansion losses | Minimal (no clearance volume) | Significant (clearance-volume re-expansion) | Scroll: No re-expansion loss |
| COP at 35°C condensing temp | 10% higher | Baseline | Scroll: 10% better cooling per watt |
| Cooling capacity variance with overcharge | Degrades slower | Degrades quickly | Scroll: More forgiving |
| Part-load efficiency | Excellent (fewer moving parts) | Lower (intermittent compression loses efficiency) | Scroll: Better at partial loads |
| Maintenance moving parts | 1–3 major parts (scroll set, motor) | 10–15 major parts (pistons, valves, rods, rings) | Scroll: 70% fewer parts |
| Discharge temperature | Lower, typically 20–30°F cooler | Higher, especially at high compression ratios | Scroll: Better thermal profile |
Donper K400CZ1 R134a compressor
The Donper K400CZ1 is a hermetic reciprocating compressor designed for commercial refrigerators and chest freezers operating with refrigerant R134a on 220‑240V 50Hz single‑phase power. It offers roughly 1/2 hp class performance with about 400 W…
| Item | Donper K400CZ1 value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Donper | |
| Model | K400CZ1 | |
| Refrigerant | R134a | |
| Rated voltage | 220‑240V 50Hz, 1‑phase | |
| Application range | LBP commercial refrigeration (freezers, show cases) | |
| Nominal capacity | ≈ 400 W at LBP operating conditions | |
| Approximate horsepower class | 1/2 hp+ | |
| Cooling method | Static or forced‑air condenser, hermetic motor cooling by suction gas | |
| Motor type | RSCR or CSIR with external start components (regional variants) | |
| Thermal protection | Internal motor protector (thermally protected) | |
| Parameter | Typical K‑series R134a LBP range* |
|---|---|
| Evaporating temperature | −35 °C to −5 °C |
| Condensing temperature | 40 °C to 55 °C |
| Ambient temperature | 32 °C to 43 °C |
| Return gas temperature | 20 °C max |
| Model | Refrigerant | Voltage | Capacity class | Typical application | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L65CZ1 | R134a | 220‑240V 50Hz | ≈ 1/6 hp | Small vertical cooler or minibar | Low power, very efficient, light load. |
| S72CZ1 | R134a | 220‑240V 50Hz | ≈ 1/4 hp | Under‑counter refrigerator | Balanced between energy and capacity; referenced on Mbsm.pro. |
| K375CZ1 | R134a | 220‑240V 50Hz | ≈ 1/3–3/8 hp | Medium freezer or chiller | Frequently used as predecessor to K400CZ1. |
| K400CZ1 | R134a | 220‑240V 50Hz | ≈ 1/2 hp+ (400 W) | Chest freezer, island cabinet | Higher pull‑down capacity for larger volume. |
| NE6210CZ (Donper commercial) | R134a | 220‑240V 50Hz | ≈ 3/8 hp | High‑end merchandiser | Advanced efficiency, similar duty but different platform. |
Start Run Capacitor Failure, Causes
An AC motor run capacitor such as the CBB65 SH usually explodes when it is forced to work beyond its electrical or thermal limits, or when the start‑assist components fail and leave it in the…
| Failure type | Main symptom | Root cause | Risk level for compressor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Run/start capacitor explosion | Loud pop, oil leak, swollen can, motor will not start or runs weak | Overvoltage, overheating, start‑relay fault, poor quality capacitor | Very high: repeated locked‑rotor starts overheat windings |
| Fan motor failure without capacitor damage | Fan not turning, capacitor tests normal | Worn bearings, open winding | Medium: high head pressure but no electrical blast |
| Contactor welding closed | Unit runs non‑stop even with thermostat off | Overcurrent, contact wear | High: continuous running overheats compressor and capacitor |
| Refrigerant leak | Long run time, poor cooling, but capacitor may still test good | Mechanical leak in circuit | Indirect: long run time can overheat and age capacitor faster |
| Parameter | CBB65 SH run capacitor | Typical start capacitor | Small fan run capacitor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacitance | 50 µF ±5% (example value) | 135–324 µF (wide range) | 3–10 µF |
| Voltage rating | 450 VAC | 250–330 VAC | 370–450 VAC |
| Duty | Continuous (motor running) | Short‑time start only | Continuous |
| Construction | Metallized polypropylene, oil‑filled or dry | Electrolytic, non‑polarized | Metallized polypropylene |
| Typical failure mode | Swelling, leaking, occasional explosion under severe stress | Violent rupture if left in circuit too long | Value drift, open circuit |
Danfoss Compressor HP Chart – TFS, FR, SC Model Reference
When a refrigerator or freezer arrives with a worn nameplate, identifying the compressor becomes difficult. The Danfoss and Secop model codes—such as TFS 4 AT, FR 8.5A, or SC 18B—tell you exactly what you're dealing…
| Model No | HP Code | Typical Watt Input | Approx. Running Current (A) | Primary Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TFS 4 AT | 1/8 hp | ≈100 W | ≈0.9 A | Very small fridges, desktop coolers, R134a LBP |
| TFS 5 AT | 1/6 hp | ≈120 W | ≈1.05 A | Small bar fridges, display cabinets, LBP/MBP |
| FR 7.5 A | 1/4 hp | ≈130 W | ≈1.05 A | Efficient domestic fridges, R134a LBP systems |
| FR 8.5 A | 1/5 hp | ≈155 W | ≈1.20 A | Universal workhorse, LBP/MBP/HBP duty, R134a or R404A |
| FR 10 A | 1/3 hp | ≈170 W | ≈1.30 A | Larger fridges, small freezers, −30 °C evaporating |
| FR 11 A | 3/8 hp | ≈185 W | ≈1.30 A | Chest freezers, double-door refrigerators, commercial use |
| FR 6 B | 1/8 hp | ≈100 W | ≈0.9 A | Direct replacement for vintage FR6 models |
| FR 7.5 B | 1/6 hp | ≈135 W | ≈1.05 A | Mid-range domestic refrigerators, cooling cabinets |
| FR 8.5 B | 1/4 hp | ≈155 W | ≈1.20 A | Industry standard, found in thousands of appliances, all duty types |
| FR 11 B | 1/3 hp | ≈205 W | ≈1.35 A | Upright freezers, glass-door merchandisers, commercial cabinets |
| SC 12 A | 1/2 hp | ≈250 W | ≈2.0 A | Chest freezers, small cool rooms, MBP/HBP |
| SC 13 A | 1/2 hp | ≈250 W | ≈2.0 A | Heavier-duty SC12 replacement, upgraded cooling |
| SC 15 A | 1/2 hp | ≈315 W | ≈3.0 A | Larger merchandisers, cool rooms, all duty types |
| SC 18 A | 5/8 hp | ≈385 W | ≈2.5 A | Medium-size ice cream freezers, cold storage rooms |
| SC 18 B | 5/8 hp | ≈470 W | ≈4.2 A | Heavy-duty cooling, large cold rooms, demanding LBP/MBP/HBP applications |
| Family | Popular Models | Watt Range | Best For | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TL Series | TL4G, TL5G | 80–160 W | Domestic fridges, beverage coolers, quiet operation | Compact, low noise, modest starting current, R134a optimized |
| FR Series | FR8.5G, FR8.5CL, FR10A | 150–300 W | Small freezers, light commercial, flexible duty | Universal workhorse, handles LBP/MBP/HBP, wide evaporating window (−30 °C to +10 °C), multiple refrigerants (R134a, R404A, R507) |
| SC Series | SC18G, SC18B, SC21G | 280–470+ W | Heavy-duty freezers, cold rooms, demanding loads | Higher displacement, cooling capacity up to ~1950 W at some points, suited for commercial-grade duty cycles |
Electrical Insulators in Overhead Power Systems
Electrical insulators are fundamental safety components in overhead transmission and distribution networks, keeping high‑voltage conductors mechanically supported while blocking dangerous leakage currents. This article explains the main types of electrical insulators—disc, glass, pin, suspension, strain,…
| Material type | Electrical performance | Mechanical behavior | Pollution & aging | Typical use cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porcelain | Very good dielectric strength; proven on all voltage levels. | High compressive strength but relatively brittle under impact. | Stable over decades, but glaze can accumulate pollution and needs periodic washing. | Traditional choice for pin, post, disc, and shackle insulators in most climates. |
| Toughened glass | Excellent surface insulation and low aging; defects are easy to see through transparency. | High tensile strength; discs shatter completely when damaged, simplifying inspection. | Very resistant to pollution; smooth surface reduces leakage current. | High‑voltage suspension and strain strings, especially in polluted or coastal regions. |
| Composite polymer | Good hydrophobic surface and light weight; suitable for long spans. | Flexible core provides high impact resistance and reduced risk of brittle failure. | Excellent in severe pollution, but long‑term UV and weathering performance still monitored. | Long‑span transmission, compact lines, and areas where low maintenance is critical. |
| Insulator type | Typical voltage range | Main mechanical duty | Installation location | Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disc / suspension | 33–765 kV overhead lines. | Carries conductor tension along flexible string. | Tower crossarms and dead‑end towers. | Modular design, easy to adapt voltage by adding discs. | Requires more hardware and careful string design. |
| Pin | Up to about 33 kV. | Supports conductor vertically on crossarm. | Wooden or steel poles in distribution systems. | Simple and low cost for lower voltages. | Cost and weight rise quickly above 33 kV; limited creepage. |
| Post | 11–245 kV depending on design. | Rigid support with cantilever loading. | Compact lines and substation busbars. | Saves vertical space and allows closer phase spacing. | Less flexible than suspension strings under large movements. |
| Shackle | Low voltage distribution (typically ≤ 11 kV). | Handles small spans and angle points on LV lines. | Wooden poles, service drops, building entries. | Robust, compact, easy to install. | Not suitable for high tension or high voltage. |
| Egg / stay | LV and MV guy wires. | Isolates stay wire from ground side tension. | Between pole and earth anchor in stays. | Improves safety at ground level and near roads. | Must be correctly positioned to avoid flashover. |
| Railway | 15–25 kV AC or 1.5–3 kV DC traction systems. | Supports catenary and contact wire under dynamic load. | Masts, portals, and tunnels in electrified routes. | Designed for vibration, pollution, and frequent pantograph contact. | Requires strict dimensional control to keep pantograph interaction stable. |
| Precipitator | Up to several tens of kV DC. | Isolates discharge electrodes and collecting plates. | Electrostatic precipitators in power and cement plants. | High resistance to contamination by dust and flue gases. | Needs special glazing and shapes to limit dust accumulation. |
Copeland ZR61KCE‑TF7‑522
The data plate on the Copeland ZR61KCE‑TF7‑522 compressor matches the official Copeland Scroll specifications for R407C air‑conditioning duty and includes the Copeland authenticity label linking to copeland.com/v, a key anti‑counterfeit feature. When purchased through an…
| Parameter | Typical value ZR61KCE | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal capacity | ≈ 17.1 kW (58,500 Btu/h) | At air‑conditioning conditions with R407C |
| Power input | ≈ 5.3 kW | Three‑phase operation |
| Nominal power | 5–6 hp | High‑back‑pressure air‑conditioning duty |
| Displacement | ≈ 14.3–14.4 m³/h | Scroll, hermetic |
| Voltage range | 380‑420 V 3Ph 50 Hz (TFD/TF7 codes) | Check plate for exact rating |
| Refrigerants | R22, R134a, R407C (depending on variant) | Plate on your unit shows R407C |
| Sound pressure | ≈ 60–63 dBA @ 1 m | Low noise scroll design |
| Model | Refrigerant | Capacity range | Power range (hp) | Application range | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZR61KCE‑TF7‑522 | R22, R407C (family data) | ≈ 10–15 kW | 4–6 hp | −20 °C to +12.5 °C evap. | High‑back‑pressure AC duty. |
| ZR72KCE‑TFD‑522 | R22, R407C | ≈ 12–17 kW | 5–7 hp | Similar HBP range | Slightly higher capacity for larger rooftop units. |
| Feature | ZR61KCE‑TF7‑522 | ZR72KCE‑TFD‑522 |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 380‑420 V 3Ph 50 Hz (TFD/TF7) | 380‑420 V 3Ph 50 Hz |
| Displacement | ≈ 14.3–14.4 m³/h | ≈ 16–17 m³/h (family data) |
| Suction line | 7/8″ | 7/8″ |
| Discharge line | 1/2″ | 1/2″ |
| Sound level | ≈ 60–63 dBA | ≈ 61 dBA |
Tecumseh Commercial Refrigeration Compressors
Tecumseh commercial compressors range from 1/9 HP (230 W) to 3 HP (4,000 W), delivering refrigeration capacities from 278 W to 6,973 W across R404A, R134a, and legacy refrigerants. This complete technical guide provides exact…
| Model | HP Rating | Input Watts (Rated) | Refrigeration Capacity (W) | Refrigerant | Voltage/Phase | Evaporating Range | Application Type | Motor Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AVA7524ZXT | 3 HP | 3,490–4,000 W (varies by refrigerant) | 6,639–6,973 W (R407A-R404A @ 20°F evap.) | R404A, R407A, R448A, R449A, R452A | 200–230V 3-phase 60Hz / 50Hz | −23.3°C to −1.1°C (−10°F to 30°F) | Medium-Back-Pressure (MBP) | HST (High Start Torque) 3-phase |
| AHA2445AXD | 1 HP | 1,225 W (R-12 @ −10°F evap.) | 1,289 W (legacy R-12) | R-12 (inactive/restricted) | 200–230V 1-phase 50/60Hz | −40°C to −12.2°C (−40°F to 10°F) | Low-Back-Pressure (LBP) | CSIR (Capacitor-Start) HST |
| AKA9438ZXA | 1/2 HP | 756 W (R404A @ 20°F evap.) | 1,099–1,112 W (R404A-R407A) | R404A, R407A, R448A, R449A, R452A | 115V 1-phase 60Hz / 100V 50Hz | −17.8°C to 10°C (0°F to 50°F) | Commercial-Back-Pressure (CBP) | CSIR HST |
| AWA2460ZXT | 1.5 HP | 1,552–1,686 W (R452A-R449A) | 1,684–1,758 W (−10°F evap.) | R404A, R407A, R448A, R449A, R452A | 200–230V 3-phase 50/60Hz | −40°C to −12.2°C (−40°F to 10°F) | Low-Back-Pressure (LBP) | HST 3-phase |
| AZA0395YXA | 1/9 HP | 230 W (R134a @ 20°F evap.) | 278 W (R134a) | R-134a | 115V 1-phase 60Hz / 100V 50Hz | −17.8°C to 10°C (0°F to 50°F) | Commercial-Back-Pressure (CBP) | RSIR (Rotary Solenoid) LST |
| AKA9442EXD-R | 1/2 HP | 760 W (R-22 @ 20°F evap.) | 1,231 W (R-22) | R-22, R-407C | 208–230V 1-phase 60Hz / 200V 50Hz | −17.8°C to 10°C (0°F to 50°F) | Commercial-Back-Pressure (CBP) | CSR (Capacitor-Start) HST |
| AKA4476YXA-R | 3/4 HP | 1,070–1,111 W (R134a-R513A) | 2,250–2,265 W (45°F evap.) | R-134a, R-513A | 115V 1-phase 60Hz / 100V 50Hz | −6.7°C to 12.8°C (20°F to 55°F) | High-Back-Pressure (HBP) | CSIR HST |
| AWG5524EXN-S | 2 HP | 1,650–2,480 W (varies load) | 7,091 W (R-22 rated) | R-22, R-407C | 208–230V 1-phase 60Hz / 200–220V 50Hz | −23.3°C to 12.8°C (−10°F to 55°F) | Multi-Temperature | PSC LST |
| AKA4460YXD | 1/2 HP | 889–890 W (R134a HT) | 6,250 BTU/h (~1,830 W) @ 20°F evap. | R-134a (high-temperature rated) | 208–230V 1-phase 60Hz | −6.7°C to 12.8°C (20°F to 55°F) | High-Back-Pressure (HBP) | CSIR HST |
| Refrigerant | Input Watts | Capacity Watts | Locked-Rotor Amps | Rated Load Amps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R404A | 800 W | 1,099 W | 58.8 A | 9.2 A |
| R407A | 756 W | 1,112 W | 58.8 A | 9.2 A |
| R449A | 724 W | 1,094 W | 58.8 A | 9.2 A |
| R452A | 757 W | 1,092 W | 58.8 A | 9.2 A |
| R448A | 724 W | 1,094 W | 58.8 A | 9.2 A |
| Refrigerant | Input Watts | Refrigeration Capacity (W) | Efficiency (W/W) | Discharge Temp. Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R404A | 1,630 W | 1,758 W | 1.08 | Baseline |
| R449A | 1,686 W | 1,684 W | 1.00 | Higher; more discharge heat |
| R448A | 1,686 W | 1,684 W | 1.00 | Similar to R449A |
| R452A | 1,552 W | 1,719 W | 1.11 | Lowest input; best COP |
| Evaporating Temp. | Capacity BTU/h (W) | Input Watts | Power Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20°F (−6.7°C) | 950 BTU/h (278 W) | 230 W | 1.21 W/W |
| 25°F (−3.9°C) | 1,230 BTU/h (360 W) | 257 W | 1.40 W/W |
| 30°F (−1.1°C) | 1,370 BTU/h (401 W) | 274 W | 1.46 W/W |
| Refrigerant | Input Watts | Capacity (W) | COP (W/W) | Pressure Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-134a | 1,070 W | 2,250 W | 2.10 | Standard HBP |
| R-513A | 1,111 W | 2,265 W | 2.04 | Higher pressure (HFO blend) |
| Evaporating Temp. | Condensing Temp. 100°F | Condensing Temp. 110°F | Condensing Temp. 120°F |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0°F | 1,100 W input | 1,070 W input | — |
| 10°F | 1,210 W input | 1,190 W input | 1,170 W input |
| 20°F | 1,520 W input | 1,560 W input | 1,600 W input |
| Evaporating Temp. | Input Watts | Capacity (W) | Efficiency (W/W) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20°F | 890 W | 1,830 W | 2.06 |
| 30°F | 891 W | 2,100 W | 2.36 |
| 40°F | 893 W | 2,350 W | 2.63 |
| 50°F | 895 W | 2,600 W | 2.90 |
| Model | HP | Input Watts | Cooling Watts | W/W Ratio | Efficiency Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AKA4460YXD | 1/2 | 890 | 1,830–2,600 | 2.06–2.90 | Excellent (HT-optimized) |
| AKA4476YXA-R | 3/4 | 1,070 | 2,250 | 2.10 | Excellent (HT-optimized) |
| AWG5524EXN-S | 2 | 1,650–2,480 | 7,091 | 2.86 (avg) | Very Good |
| AKA9438ZXA | 1/2 | 756 | 1,099 | 1.45 | Good (CBP-rated) |
| AKA9442EXD-R | 1/2 | 760 | 1,231 | 1.62 | Good |
| AZA0395YXA | 1/9 | 230 | 278 | 1.21 | Fair (micro-sized) |
| AVA7524ZXT | 3 | 3,490–4,000 | 6,973 | 1.74–1.99 | Good |
| AWA2460ZXT | 1.5 | 1,552–1,686 | 1,758 | 1.04–1.13 | Fair (LT-rated; high pressure) |
| AHA2445AXD | 1 | 1,225 | 1,289 | 1.05 | Fair (legacy; low efficiency) |
| Refrigerant | Input Watts | Vs. R404A | Discharge Temp. | Pressure Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R404A | 4,000 W | Baseline (highest) | 95°C (typical) | 8.5:1 |
| R449A | 3,622 W | −9.4% | 85°C (lower) | 8.1:1 |
| R448A | 3,622 W | −9.4% | 85°C (lower) | 8.1:1 |
| R452A | 3,772 W | −5.7% | 88°C | 8.3:1 |
| R407A | 3,490 W | −12.8% | 78°C (lowest) | 7.9:1 |
Champion of HBP: Copeland KCJ513HAG-S424H
The Copeland KCJ513HAG-S424H is a powerhouse 1.2 HP compressor designed for high-demand cooling. Built for R134a applications like large water coolers and AC units, it delivers 12,300 Btu/h reliability. This guide covers its CSCR electrical…
| Feature | Specification |
| Model | KCJ513HAG-S424H |
| Brand | Copeland (Emerson) |
| Nominal HP | 1.20 HP (approx. 1 Ton) |
| Displacement | 38.04 cc/rev |
| Refrigerant | R134a (Tetrafluoroethane) |
| Application | HBP (High Back Pressure) / AC / Heat Pump |
| Voltage | 220-230V ~ 50Hz |
| Cooling Capacity | 12,300 Btu/h (@ +7.2°C Evap) |
| Input Power | 1374 Watts |
| Input Current | 6.5 Amps |
| Motor Circuit | CSCR (Capacitor Start & Run) |
| Start Capacitor | 80-100 µF / 230V |
| Run Capacitor | 36 µF / 440V |
| Oil Type | POE (Polyolester) |
| Oil Charge | 890 ml |
| LRA (Locked Rotor) | 39 A |
| Compressor | Brand | Nominal HP | Displacement | Cooling (HBP) | Verdict |
| KCJ513HAG | Copeland | 1.2 HP | 38.0 cc | 12,300 Btu | Best for rugged, high-vibration environments. |
| TAG4518Y | Tecumseh | 1.5 HP | 53.2 cc | 15,000 Btu | Slightly larger; good upgrade if space permits. |
| CAJ4511Y | Tecumseh | 1 HP | 32.7 cc | 10,500 Btu | A bit weaker; only use for smaller loads. |
| MT18 | Maneurop | 1.5 HP | 30.2 cc | 13,000 Btu | Excellent alternative, but physically larger/heavier. |
R134a vs. R600a Compressor Conversion
Switching from R134a to R600a requires more than just changing the gas. This guide explains the critical "Displacement Rule"—why R600a compressors need nearly double the cylinder volume of R134a units to produce the same cooling.…
| Feature | R134a (Tetrafluoroethane) | R600a (Isobutane) | The Difference |
| Operating Pressure (Low Side) | 0 to 2 PSI (Positive pressure) | -5 to -10 inHg (Vacuum) | R600a often runs in a vacuum. Leaks suck air in. |
| Displacement Required | Low (Dense gas) | High (Light gas) | R600a compressor needs ~70-80% bigger cylinder. |
| Charge Amount | 100% (Baseline) | ~45% of R134a mass | If R134a took 100g, R600a takes only ~45g. |
| Oil Compatibility | POE (Polyolester) | Mineral or Alkylbenzene | R600a is compatible with mineral oil (cheaper/less hydroscopic). |
| GWP (Global Warming Potential) | 1430 (High) | 3 (Very Low) | R600a is eco-friendly. |
| Flammability | A1 (Non-Flammable) | A3 (Highly Flammable) | Requires spark-proof tools and care. |
| Original R134a Compressor | Approx. Displacement | Target R600a Compressor | Approx. Displacement |
| 1/6 HP | 4.0 cc | 1/5 HP | ~7.0 – 8.0 cc |
| 1/5 HP | 5.5 cc | 1/4 HP | ~9.0 – 10.5 cc |
| 1/4 HP | 7.5 cc | 1/3 HP | ~13.0 – 14.0 cc |
| 1/3 HP | 9.0 cc | 3/8 HP | ~16.0 cc |