Mbsmpro.com, Embraco, NEU2178GK, 1 HP, LBP, R404A, 220-240V, 50Hz, 16.8 cc, CSR, Commercial Freezer Compressor

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The Cold Heart of Commercial Freezing: Embraco NEU2178GK

If you are an artisan bricoleur or a refrigeration technician working on commercial island freezers or restaurant reach-ins, you have likely encountered the Embraco NEU2178GK. This isn’t your standard domestic fridge compressor; this is a 1 HP powerhouse designed for the heavy lifting required by Low Back Pressure (LBP) applications using R404A or R507 refrigerant.

Known for its robust “Made in Slovakia” build, the NEU2178GK is a CSR (Capacitor Start, Capacitor Run) motor. This is a critical detail for technicians: unlike simpler PTCSCR compressors, this unit relies on a precise electrical box containing both a start capacitor and a run capacitor to manage its high starting torque (HST). It is the engine you choose when you need reliability in a -30°C environment.

Why the “GK” Matters

In Embraco’s nomenclature, the “K” at the end (as in NEU2178GK) often signifies a specific motor type—in this case, one designed for High Starting Torque. This means it can restart even if pressures haven’t fully equalized, a common scenario in busy commercial kitchens where doors are opened frequently.

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Technical Specifications: The Data You Need

Here is the breakdown of the technical capabilities of this compressor.

Feature	Specification
Model	NEU2178GK
Brand	Embraco (Nidec)
Horsepower (HP)	1 HP
Displacement	16.80 cm³ (cc)
Refrigerant	R404A / R507 / R452A
Application	LBP (Low Back Pressure)
Voltage	220-240V ~ 50Hz
Cooling Capacity	~900 W (at -23.3°C ASHRAE)
Motor Type	CSR (Capacitor Start & Run)
Start Capacitor	88 – 108 µF / 330V
Run Capacitor	15 µF / 400V
Oil Type	POE 22 (Polyolester)
Oil Charge	350 ml
Expansion Device	Capillary or TXV (Expansion Valve)

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Exploitation: Installation Tips for the Artisan

Installing a 1 HP commercial compressor is different from swapping a domestic one. Here are the “golden rules” for the NEU2178GK:

1. The Electric Box is Mandatory: You cannot bypass the capacitor box. This motor needs the 15µF run capacitor to maintain efficiency and keep the windings cool, and the start capacitor to kick the rotor into motion against high head pressure.
2. Moisture is the Enemy: This compressor comes filled with POE oil. POE is like a sponge for humidity. If you leave the plugs open for more than 15 minutes, the oil absorbs moisture that vacuum pumps cannot remove. Keep it sealed until the last second.
3. Nitrogen Sweep: Because R404A systems use POE oil, any carbon from brazing will turn into sludge and block the capillary tube immediately. Always braze with a trickle of nitrogen flowing through the pipes.
4. R452A Compatibility: If R404A is expensive or restricted in your area, this compressor is often compatible with R452A, a drop-in replacement with a lower GWP (Global Warming Potential), but always check the discharge temperature.

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Comparison: Embraco NEU2178GK vs. The Competition

When you can’t find the exact Embraco model, you need a replacement. Here is how it stacks up against the heavyweights from Secop and Tecumseh.

Compressor	Brand	Approx. HP	Displacement	Verdict
NEU2178GK	Embraco	1 HP	16.8 cc	Best for high-torque commercial freezers.
SC21CL	Secop (Danfoss)	~7/8 – 1 HP	20.95 cc	Older design, physically larger, very reliable.
CAJ2464Z	Tecumseh	1.5 HP	34.4 cc	Much more powerful; usually overkill for this slot.
NT2180GK	Embraco	1 HP	20.4 cc	The “big brother” of the NEU series; fits if you have space.

Pro Tip: If replacing a Secop SC21CL with this Embraco NEU2178GK, you may need to adjust the pipework as the Embraco is slightly more compact (lower height: ~206mm vs Secop ~219mm).

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Performance Analysis: Power Consumption

One reason technicians love the NEU series is efficiency.

• Current (Amps): At typical freezer conditions (-25°C), it draws about 4.3 Amps.
• LRA (Locked Rotor Amps): 21.0 A. If your clamp meter reads 21A instantly and stays there, your compressor is mechanically seized or the start capacitor is dead.

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Performance Analysis: Power Consumption

One reason technicians love the NEU series is efficiency.

• Current (Amps): At typical freezer conditions (-25°C), it draws about 4.3 Amps.
• LRA (Locked Rotor Amps): 21.0 A. If your clamp meter reads 21A instantly and stays there, your compressor is mechanically seized or the start capacitor is dead.

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Focus Keyphrase: Embraco NEU2178GK 1 HP Compressor R404A

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Meta Description: Discover the Embraco NEU2178GK 1 HP Compressor (R404A/LBP). Full technical specs, CSR wiring guide, and comparisons with Secop and Tecumseh for commercial refrigeration repairs.

Slug: embraco-neu2178gk-1-hp-compressor-r404a-lbp-specs

Tags: Mbsmgroup, Mbsm.pro, mbsmpro.com, mbsm, Embraco NEU2178GK, 1 HP Compressor, R404A, Commercial Freezer, CSR Motor, NEU2178GK Specs, Refrigeration Repair, 16.8cc Compressor

Excerpt: The Embraco NEU2178GK is the definitive choice for 1 HP commercial freezing applications. Featuring a robust CSR motor and 16.8cc displacement, this R404A compressor delivers high starting torque for demanding environments. This guide details the electrical requirements, installation tips, and how it compares to Secop and Tecumseh alternatives.

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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.