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.

Tecumseh CAJ9480T: The French‑Made Heart of Legacy R22 Cold Rooms

On the faded nameplate of this weathered compressor shell, one line stands out with absolute clarity: CAJ9480T – R22/R502 – Made in France. It is the unmistakable signature of a Tecumseh L’Unité Hermétique fully hermetic compressor, a workhorse still beating quietly inside thousands of small cold rooms and refrigerated cabinets around the world.

---

Identifying the CAJ9480T from the label

The image shows a classic welded‑shell compressor with a rectangular white label fixed on the body and a smaller green Tecumseh/L’Unité sticker below it.
Printed on the label, the model CAJ9480T appears alongside the refrigerant family R22/R502, the voltage range 208–220 V – 50 Hz, and the note THERMALLY PROTECTED, confirming an internally protected single‑phase motor.
The mention Country of origin: France links this unit to Tecumseh’s European manufacturing line, known under the historic L’Unité Hermétique brand, widely used in commercial refrigeration.

---

Technical profile of the CAJ9480T

Behind this modest steel shell lies a carefully engineered medium‑temperature compressor designed for reliability more than show.

• It is a fully hermetic reciprocating compressor, meaning the electric motor and pistons are sealed in the same welded housing, minimizing leaks and simplifying service on the field.
• In most data sheets the CAJ9480T is rated around 5/8 HP for R22 at 230 V, 50 Hz, suitable for small cold rooms, counters and display cases working in positive temperatures.
• Typical electrical figures published for this model include a Rated Load Amps (RLA) close to 4 A and a Locked Rotor Amps (LRA) around 24 A, values that match the LRA 24 marking on many factory labels.

The following table summarises the key technical characteristics generally associated with a Tecumseh CAJ9480T in R22 applications.

Parameter	Typical CAJ9480T value
Compressor type	Fully hermetic reciprocating piston
Nominal horsepower	Approx. 5/8 HP (medium temperature)
Refrigerant	R22 (older labels may mention R22/R502; some variants accept R438A)
Voltage / frequency	220–240 V, single phase, 50 Hz (voltage code F/FZ)
Displacement	About 15.2 cm³/rev
Rated Load Amps (RLA)	≈ 3.9–4.0 A at 50 Hz
Locked Rotor Amps (LRA)	≈ 24 A
Motor type	CSR, high‑start torque with start and run capacitor
Oil charge	Around 475–780 ml, mineral or alkylbenzene depending on version
Origin	Tecumseh / L’Unité Hermétique, France

These values are essential for technicians who want to cross‑check compatibility when replacing a damaged unit or when sizing contactors, cables and protections.

---

Real‑world applications and typical uses

For many shop owners, the CAJ9480T is not a product code but “the compressor in the cold room that never stops”.

• It is widely installed in small walk‑in cold rooms, butcher counters, beverage coolers and positive‑temperature cabinets where cooling capacity around 2 kW at medium evaporating temperatures is sufficient.
• The evaporating temperature envelope usually runs from roughly –23 °C up to +12 °C, allowing the same base model to work in both cooler and slightly higher temperature applications when correctly selected.
• Because R22 has been phased down in many markets, the CAJ9480T often appears in maintenance and retrofit projects: technicians may replace the original compressor with the same reference, or move to compatible alternative refrigerants when regulations and Tecumseh documentation allow it.

In all cases, checking the exact family (CAJ9480T‑FZ, CAJ9480T‑AJ2, etc.) is crucial, as each variant is optimized for specific refrigerants, voltages and accessories.

---

Installation notes from the field

Even the best compressor will not forgive poor installation. Technicians who work daily with CAJ‑series models usually insist on a few practical rules:

• Clean piping and proper brazing: use nitrogen during brazing, replace the filter drier, and avoid introducing scale or moisture, which can quickly degrade the oil and shorten compressor life.
• Accurate vacuum and charge: a deep vacuum combined with a charge adjusted to sight glass, superheat and manufacturer charts protects the compressor from liquid slugging and overheating.
• Respect of operating envelope: the Tecumseh performance sheets show clear limits for high condensing temperatures and low evaporating pressures; staying inside this window prevents excessive motor current and thermal overload trips.
• Correct starting equipment: since the CAJ9480T uses a CSR motor, the correct run capacitor, start capacitor and potential relay must be installed and wired following the original schematic to avoid hard starts and nuisance tripping.

For older R22 equipment, technicians also need to keep an eye on evolving regulations and encourage owners to plan long‑term upgrades towards more sustainable refrigerants and systems.

---