Tecumseh Commercial Refrigeration Compressors

Tecumseh Commercial Refrigeration Compressors: Complete Technical Specifications with Exact Horsepower and Watts

Mbsmpro.com, Tecumseh Compressors List, AVA7524ZXT, AHA2445AXD, AKA9438ZXA, AWA2460ZXT, AZA0395YXA, AKA9442EXD, AKA4476YXA, AWG5524EXN, AKA4460YXD, AKA9442EXA, Specs, R404A, R134a, R22, Cooling, LBP, MBP, HBP

The Tecumseh compressor lineup represents one of the most widely-deployed hermetic refrigeration systems in commercial food service, supermarket retail, and industrial cold storage worldwide. This comprehensive guide covers ten essential models—AVA7524ZXT, AHA2445AXD, AKA9438ZXA, AWA2460ZXT, AZA0395YXA, AKA9442EXD-R, AKA4476YXA-R, AWG5524EXN-S, and AKA4460YXD—with exact horsepower ratings, input wattage, refrigeration capacity, and application specifications for technicians, facility managers, and system designers.​

Complete Specifications Table: All Ten Tecumseh Compressor Models

Detailed Model Analysis with Exact Power Specifications

AVA7524ZXT: 3 HP, 3,490–4,000 W Medium-Back-Pressure Workhorse

The Tecumseh AVA7524ZXT is one of the company’s flagship 3-horsepower, three-phase compressors with input power consumption ranging from 3,490 W to 4,000 W depending on refrigerant and operating conditions. This represents a significant commercial-duty compressor suitable for medium-sized walk-in coolers, supermarket produce sections, and dairy display cases. The model delivers refrigeration capacities between 6,639 W (R407A) and 6,973 W (R404A) at standard ARI rating conditions (20°F evaporating, 120°F condensing).​

Power Consumption Breakdown by Refrigerant at 20°F Evaporation:​

• R404A: 4,000 W input (Most demanding; highest discharge temperature)
• R449A: 3,622 W input (Better efficiency than R404A)
• R448A: 3,622 W input (Similar to R449A; lower GWP)
• R452A: 3,772 W input (Improved efficiency; very low GWP)
• R407A: 3,490 W input (Most efficient; legacy alternative)

The high three-phase inrush current (65.1 A locked-rotor amps) demands properly sized motor starters and circuit protection. Technicians must verify that facility electrical infrastructure can handle the 10.9 A rated load at 60 Hz continuously without voltage sag exceeding 3%.​

Field Application: This compressor excels in medium-capacity systems handling 15–25 m³ (530–880 cubic feet) cold rooms where the evaporating temperature stays above −10°F (−23.3°C) and cooling loads are moderate to heavy. Not recommended below −40°F or for continuously operated blast-freezer duty.

AHA2445AXD: 1 HP, 1,225 W Legacy Low-Temperature R-12 Unit

The Tecumseh AHA2445AXD is a 1-horsepower, single-phase compressor rated for 1,225 W input power at the ASHRAE standard low-temperature rating (−10°F evaporating, 130°F condensing). This historic model was designed exclusively for R-12 refrigerant before the Montreal Protocol phase-out, making it now classified as inactive by the manufacturer. Despite being out of production for over two decades, many of these units remain in service in older supermarket blast freezers and frozen-food storage chambers in developing markets and legacy installations.​

Critical Specifications:​

• Refrigeration Capacity: 1,289 W @ −10°F evaporation (ASHRAE standard)
• Motor Configuration: CSIR (Capacitor-Start/Induction-Run) with High Start Torque
• Locked-Rotor Amps: 51 A (high inrush current requiring heavy-duty contactors)
• Rated Load Amps: 8.2 A @ 60 Hz (modest continuous draw)
• Displacement: 53.186 cc (relatively small piston chamber)
• Oil Type: Mineral oil (incompatible with modern POE-based refrigerants)

Why It’s Obsolete: R-12 recovery is mandatory in most developed nations; supplies are restricted to legacy system maintenance only. The mineral oil used in R-12 systems is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture), and switching to R404A or R134a without complete flushing and oil replacement guarantees rapid acid formation and compressor failure within weeks.​

Modern Replacement Path: Technicians retrofitting AHA2445AXD systems typically replace the compressor with R404A-compatible low-temperature units from the AJ or FH series (e.g., AJ2425ZXA, FH6540EXD), which require new suction/discharge tubing, condenser re-evaluation, and a complete system evacuation to <500 microns.​

AKA9438ZXA: 1/2 HP, 756 W Compact Commercial Medium-Temperature

The Tecumseh AKA9438ZXA is a compact 1/2-horsepower compressor drawing just 756 W input power at R404A rating conditions (20°F evaporation). Despite its diminutive electrical footprint, it delivers 1,099–1,112 W refrigeration capacity, making it highly efficient for small commercial applications where space, weight, and electrical current draw are critical constraints. The single-phase 115 V 60 Hz / 100 V 50 Hz availability makes it a favorite for North American retail environments lacking dedicated three-phase power.​

Performance and Electrical Profile:​

Critical Field Consideration: The high locked-rotor current (58.8 A) means that undersized motor starting relays, capacitors, or circuit breakers will nuisance-trip during compressor startup. Technicians must verify hard-start kit adequacy and confirm that facility panel voltage doesn’t sag below 103 V during the 200–500 ms compressor inrush period.​

Ideal Applications: Reach-in coolers, ice-cream dipping cabinets, beverage coolers, pharmacy refrigerators, and small walk-in coolers (≤10 m³) in convenience stores. The evaporating range of 0°F to 50°F (−17.8°C to 10°C) accommodates both lightly chilled goods (4°C) and moderately frozen items (−10°C).

AWA2460ZXT: 1.5 HP, 1,552–1,686 W Three-Phase Low-Temperature

The Tecumseh AWA2460ZXT is a 1.5-horsepower, three-phase low-temperature compressor with input power ranging from 1,552 W (R452A) to 1,686 W (R449A) at −10°F evaporation. This professional-grade unit targets medium-capacity blast freezers, ice-cream production lines, and commercial frozen-food storage requiring continuous duty at temperatures between −40°F and −10°F (−40°C to −12.2°C).​

Power Efficiency Comparison Across Refrigerants (230 V 3-phase, −10°F evaporation):​

Three-Phase Electrical Requirements:​

• Locked-Rotor Amps (LRA): 63.4 A (substantial; requires oversized contactor)
• Rated Load Amps (RLA 60 Hz): 5.6 A (modest continuous draw)
• Max Continuous Current (MCC): 13 A
• Displacement: 51.27 cc (large piston volume for high-displacement performance)

Operational Excellence: The AWA2460ZXT shines in consistent, heavy-duty freezer service where uninterrupted cooling at −20°F to −30°F is essential for product quality. However, do not attempt to operate below −40°F or condense above 55°C, as extreme conditions rupture the hermetic shell’s pressure relief disc (designed for ~425 psig burst) and destroy the compressor.​

AZA0395YXA: 1/9 HP, 230 W Micro-Displacement Extended-Temperature

The Tecumseh AZA0395YXA represents a tiny 1/9-horsepower compressor with only 230 W input power consumption at ARI rating conditions (20°F evaporation, R134a). This ultra-compact unit is one of the industry’s smallest commercially-viable refrigeration compressors, designed for light-duty applications including desktop ice makers, compact beverage coolers, medical/laboratory sample freezers, and portable marine cooling systems.​

Remarkable Compactness:​

• Weight: Only 19 lbs (8.6 kg)
• Displacement: 5.588 cc (tiny piston chamber requiring precision manufacturing)
• Oil Charge: 243 cc (barely enough for motor cooling)
• Locked-Rotor Amps: 28 A (relatively low for safe 115 V circuit use)
• Rated Load Amps: 2.9 A @ 115 V 60 Hz (draws less current than a desk lamp)

Capacity and Efficiency Profile:​

Critical Limitation: The LST (Low-Start-Torque) RSIR motor is deliberately designed to minimize inrush current stress on small electrical circuits. However, never operate this compressor without refrigerant circulation, as the micro-displacement cannot provide adequate oil circulation for motor cooling without active refrigerant flow. Running dry for even 10 seconds risks motor winding insulation breakdown and bearing seizure.​

Typical Installations: Countertop beverage coolers at gas stations (2–4°C setpoint), portable coolers for boats and RVs, laboratory equipment with temperature-sensitive components.

AKA9442EXD-R: 1/2 HP, 760 W Mid-Range R-22 and R-407C

The Tecumseh AKA9442EXD-R is a 1/2-horsepower, single-phase compressor rated for 760 W input power at ASHRAE conditions (20°F evaporation, R-22). This R-22 specialist bridges the gap between legacy CFC systems and modern HFC/HFO blends, making it particularly valuable for retrofit scenarios in regions where R-22 phase-out is gradual and drop-in R-407C migration is cost-justified.​

R-22 vs. R-407C Power Characteristics:​

The AKA9442EXD-R’s specification sheet documents 1,231 W refrigeration capacity @ 20°F evaporation on R-22 with 760 W input power, yielding a coefficient of performance (COP) of 1.62. When retrofitted to R-407C (a non-flammable synthetic blend approved as drop-in replacement for R-22), capacity typically increases by 5–10% while discharge temperature often remains within acceptable limits (usually 5–10°C lower than baseline R-22 operation).​

Motor and Electrical Specs:​

• Motor Type: CSR (Capacitor-Start/Run) with HST winding
• Locked-Rotor Amps: 31 A (moderate; 1/3 that of larger models)
• Rated Load Amps: 4 A @ 60 Hz (very economical)
• Max Continuous Current: 6.64 A (allows smaller circuit breakers)
• Displacement: 15.634 cc (mid-range piston volume)

Application Sweet Spot: Deli display cases, pharmacy refrigerators, small ice makers, walk-in coolers 8–15 m³ (280–530 cu ft). The 0°F to 50°F (−17.8°C to 10°C) evaporating range covers both chilled fresh-food applications and moderately frozen goods.

AKA4476YXA-R: 3/4 HP, 1,070–1,111 W High-Temperature Retail Cooler

The Tecumseh AKA4476YXA-R is a 3/4-horsepower, single-phase compressor consuming 1,070–1,111 W input power across R-134a and R-513A refrigerants at 45°F evaporation (high back-pressure rating). This model is optimized for supermarket produce displays, dairy coolers, and retail beverage cases operating near 2–8°C (35–46°F) evaporating temperature, where high COP and low discharge temperature are essential for compressor longevity and energy efficiency.​

R-134a vs. R-513A Performance:​

Electrical Characteristics:​

• Locked-Rotor Amps: 58.8 A (requires motor-protection relay and hard-start kit in marginal voltage conditions)
• Rated Load Amps: 11.3 A @ 115 V 60 Hz (moderate continuous draw)
• Displacement: 22.599 cc (larger than 1/2 HP models, smaller than 1 HP units)

Why High-Temperature Application? The 20°F to 55°F (−6.7°C to 12.8°C) evaporating range places this compressor in the HBP (High Back-Pressure) classification, meaning suction pressures remain elevated even at light loads, protecting the motor winding from low-temperature cooling inadequacy. This design philosophy prioritizes reliability at warm evaporating temperatures over capacity at low temperatures.​

Typical Installations: Supermarket dairy sections, produce rooms, beverage coolers, medication storage (pharmacies), bakery cold cases. The high efficiency (COP ≈ 2.0) translates to lower energy bills compared to older R-22 compressors operating in equivalent service.

AWG5524EXN-S: 2 HP, 1,650–2,480 W Dual-Voltage Large-Displacement R-22

The Tecumseh AWG5524EXN-S is a 2-horsepower, single-phase (despite the three-phase-like capacity) compressor with input power ranging from 1,650 W (light load) to 2,480 W (full load) at varying condensing temperatures. This large-displacement unit (43.1 cc) ranks among Tecumseh’s largest reciprocating compressors, delivering approximately 7,091 W (24,200 BTU/h) refrigeration capacity on R-22 at full-load conditions.​

Power Profile Across Operating Envelope (230 V single-phase, R-22):​

Motor and Electrical Specifications:​

• Motor Type: PSC (Permanent-Split-Capacitor) with LST (Low-Start-Torque)
• Locked-Rotor Amps: 60 A (substantial; demands heavy-duty electrical infrastructure)
• Rated Load Amps: 11 A @ 60 Hz (continuous draw; requires 15 A minimum breaker)
• Max Continuous Current: 18.3 A (absolute maximum permissible)
• Displacement: 43.1 cc (nearly twice that of 1 HP models)

LST Motor Advantage: Unlike HST (High-Start-Torque) designs used in smaller compressors, the AWG5524EXN’s LST motor intentionally reduces inrush-current stress on facility electrical switchgear, capacitors, and contactors. This soft-start characteristic is critical when retrofitting older air-conditioning systems where the existing electrical infrastructure is marginal.​

Application Range: Large supermarket condensing units, commercial ice-cream machine rooms, warehouse-scale blast freezers, industrial process cooling, R-22 retrofit projects in high-tonnage systems. The −10°F to 55°F (−23.3°C to 12.8°C) evaporating range covers everything from low-temperature freezers to high-temperature AC conditioners, making this a true multi-temperature workhorse.​

AKA4460YXD: 1/2 HP, 889–890 W High-Temperature R-134a Unit

The Tecumseh AKA4460YXD is a 1/2-horsepower, single-phase compressor drawing 889–890 W input power at high-temperature rating (R-134a, 45°F evaporation). Despite its modest 1/2 HP electrical rating, it delivers approximately 6,250 BTU/h (1,830 W) refrigeration capacity, making it highly efficient for retail cooler and air-conditioning applications where warm evaporating temperatures (20°F to 55°F) are the norm.​

High-Temperature (HT) Performance Profile (115 V single-phase, R-134a):​

Exceptional Efficiency at Warm Operating Points: Notice that as evaporating temperature rises (warmer operating conditions), input wattage stays nearly constant (~890–895 W) while capacity increases dramatically (1,830 W → 2,600 W). This represents an efficiency gain from 2.06 to 2.90 W/W—a hallmark of HBP/high-temperature design.​

Electrical Characteristics:​

• Motor Type: CSIR (Capacitor-Start/Induction-Run) with HST
• Locked-Rotor Amps: ~50 A (requires start component verification)
• Rated Load Amps: 4–5 A @ 115 V 60 Hz (lightweight; suitable for 20 A circuits)
• Displacement: Similar to AKA9442EXD (~15 cc class)

Complementary vs. Competing Role: Where the AKA9442EXD-R is R-22 legacy-focused, the AKA4460YXD is R-134a modern-focused. Both offer 1/2 HP rating and similar electrical profiles, but the AKA4460YXD’s warm evaporating envelope makes it the choice for air-conditioning condensing units and warm-weather cooler applications, while AKA9442EXD-R excels at chilled/frozen food storage.​

Comparative Wattage and Efficiency Analysis

Power-to-Capacity Ratio (Input Watts vs. Refrigeration Watts)

To understand compressor efficiency relative to cooling output, the power-to-capacity ratio (also called COP or W/W coefficient) reveals which models deliver the most cooling per watt of electrical input:

Key Insight: High-temperature (HT) models (AKA4460YXD, AKA4476YXA-R) deliver 2.0–2.9 W/W efficiency because warm evaporating temperatures reduce compression pressure ratios, allowing smaller volumes of gas to do more cooling work. Conversely, low-temperature (LT) models like AWA2460ZXT and AHA2445AXD struggle to exceed 1.1 W/W because extreme temperature differentials force large compression ratios with inherent inefficiency.​

Refrigerant Selection and Wattage Impact

How Refrigerant Changes Input Power Requirements

The same compressor model can consume different input wattage depending on refrigerant choice. The AVA7524ZXT at 20°F evaporation is a perfect case study:​

R407A is the most efficient (3,490 W input) because it has a lower volumetric expansion ratio and inherently lower discharge temperatures. However, R407A is being phased down in favor of low-GWP blends like R448A and R452A, which offer 10–15°C lower discharge temperatures compared to baseline R404A while maintaining similar electrical input (within ±10%).​

Installation, Electrical Integration, and Safety Guidelines

Matching Electrical Infrastructure to Compressor Power Draw

A critical installation error is undersizing circuit protection or motor starters relative to compressor inrush current. Example scenario:

Site Condition: Installation of AKA9438ZXA (1/2 HP, 756 W input) into a facility with existing 15 A circuit breaker.

Problem: Locked-rotor amps = 58.8 A. The motor starting relay must energize the compressor, causing inrush current of 58.8 A for ~200 ms. A 15 A breaker trips immediately; a 20 A breaker may nuisance-trip if voltage sags during startup.

Solution: Install hard-start kit (start capacitor 30–45 µF + potential relay) to reduce effective locked-rotor current to 30–40 A, allowing a 20 A breaker to handle the inrush safely.​

Three-Phase vs. Single-Phase Considerations

Three-Phase Models (AVA7524ZXT, AWA2460ZXT):

• Advantage: Much lower inrush current per phase (typically 1/3 of single-phase equivalent)
• Disadvantage: Requires three-phase electrical service; facility must have three separate 120° phase waveforms
• Typical Sites: Supermarkets, industrial facilities, institutional kitchens

Single-Phase Models (All others):

• Advantage: 115 V or 208–230 V single-phase service available at nearly every site
• Disadvantage: High inrush current (50–60 A); requires robust start components and voltage-stable circuits
• Typical Sites: Retail stores, restaurants, small convenience shops

Voltage Sensitivity: All compressors are sensitive to ±10% voltage variation. A 115 V compressor operating at only 103.5 V (10% sag) experiences reduced motor torque, slower startup, and risk of thermal overload. Facilities with chronic voltage sag must install voltage-stabilizing transformers or power-factor correction equipment.​

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Complete Tecumseh compressor technical data: exact horsepower (1/9 HP to 3 HP), input watts (230 W to 4,000 W), R404A R134a capacities, and application guide for every model.

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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 horsepower, input wattage, evaporating ranges, and application types for all ten major models used in supermarkets, walk-ins, and retail coolers.