UEI HA1 Hermetic Compressor Analyzer Instruction Manual
- June 10, 2024
- UEi
Table of Contents
UEI HA1 Hermetic Compressor Analyzer
Product Information
This product is a device that is used to test compressor units. It is designed to work with a 220V AC power source and comes with several switches and indicators that allow for easy testing of the compressor unit’s motor.
The device comes with a REV/OFF/FWD switch, a PWR BREAKER switch, a FAULT/CONT./START switch, and several other switches that help in testing the motor’s windings. It also has indicators such as LINE NORM/REV indicators, START indicator, and RUN indicator.
The device comes with a white COM cable that should be kept out of the way as it will have 110V AC on the clip. The device also comes with an adapter cord of at least #14 AWG wire size to connect the HA1 to the 220V AC input terminals. The device’s specifications include a running current of 25 and a capacitor range of 88-180MFD, 161-193MFD, and 249-301MFD.
INTRODUCTION
The HA1 hermetic analyzer is designed to provide the service technician with
an easy to use, reliable test instrument. To obtain the maximum benefit from
the HA1, please take time to read these instructions.
Note: Under some test conditions 120V AC may be present on a test cable.
Refer to 220V AC section on operation.
Features
- Free locked rotors by reversing motor action
- Indicates continuity and ground faults by front panel indicator lights
- Front panel input jacks to facilitate VOM measurement of voltage and resistance
- Dual 120/240V AC operation
- Color coded for easy use
Safety Notes
Before using this instrument, read all safety information carefully. In this
manual the word “WARNING” is used to indicate conditions or actions that may
pose physical hazards to the user. The word “CAUTION” is used to indicate
conditions or actions that may
damage this instrument.
International Symbols
Product Usage
- Ensure that the REV/OFF/FWD switch and the PWR BREAKER switch are in the off position.
- Remove power to the unit which is to be tested.
- If possible, turn down the thermostat or disconnect the fan so that the fan will not operate during the compressor tests. The fan noise could make it difficult to listen to the action of the compressor.
- Remove and identify the connectors going to the COMMON, START, and RUN terminals of the compressor motor.
- Use an adapter cord of at least #14 AWG wire size to connect the HA1 to the 220V AC input terminals.
- Turn on the power to the HA1. Remember to keep the white COM cable out of the way as it will have 110V AC on the clip.
- Push the POWER BREAKER to the ON position. Both LINE NORM/REV indicators will light.
- Push the FAULT/CONT./START switch to the FAULT position and hold it there while pressing the red START TEST and black RUN TEST switches in sequence. If either the START indicator or RUN indicator lights, there is a short between that winding and the frame. STOP the test and replace the unit.
- Turn off the 220V AC power source to the HA1. Connect the white COM cable to the common terminal of the compressor motor.
- Press, in turn, the GROUND, TEST, START TEST, and RUN TEST switches. The appropriate indicator will light indicating continuity in the circuit being tested. If either the run or start winding indicate open, stop the test and replace the unit.
- Select the appropriate motor start capacitor.
- Press the FAULT/CONT./START switch to the START position and, holding it there, throw the REV/OFF/FWD switch to the FWD position. If the compressor starts, release the START switch. The compressor will continue to run. The compressor may be stopped by returning the REV/OFF/FWD switch to the OFF position.
- If the compressor does not start immediately, release the START switch and return the REV/OFF/FWD switch to the OFF position. This may be due to a locked rotor.
- To bump the compressor, press the FAULT/CONT./START switch to the START position and, holding it there, throw the REV/OFF/FWD switch to the REV position. If the compressor starts immediately then release both switches. Repeat step 13 to assure that the compressor will run in the forwards direction.
- Steps 13 and 14 may be repeated a few times in an attempt to free a locked rotor, but care should be taken not to overheat the motor windings. If the compressor still does not start, then it should be replaced.
- Turn off the 220V AC power source to the HA1. Disconnect the HA1 test cables from the motor.
CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
-
PWR Breaker: This is a combination 25A circuit breaker and a POWER ON switch.
-
CAP100/200/300: Selects one of the three starting capacitor ranges.
Position| Range
---|---
100MFD| 88-180MFD
200MFD| 161-193MFD
300MFD| 249-301MFD -
REV/OFF/FWD: Switch determines the mode of operation of the compressor. In the FWD position, power is applied to the compressor motor run winding, and the start capacitor is connected to the START cable. In the REV position, power is applied to the compressor motor start winding and the start capacitor is connected to the RUN cable. In the OFF position, the power circuit to the motor is broken. The REV position is momentary. The OFF and FWD positions are sustained.
-
FAULT/CONT./START: Is a multi-function switch. The FAULT (momentary action) position is used to check for shorts
between the COM and the RUN/START windings. The CONT. (sustained action) position is used to check for GROUND, RUN
and START continuity. In the START (momentary action) position, the start capacitor is connected to the compressor motor through the REV/OFF/FWD switch. -
Ground Test (Yellow): This push button switch tests for ground continuity between system ground and the frame of the
appliance being tested. The HA1 introduces an “artificial ground” to make possible the testing for short circuits between the motor winding and the frame of appliances which may not be directly grounded. For example, units with two wire power cords would not be connected to system ground (unless a separate ground connection were present). -
Start Test (Red): This push button switch test two conditions, depending on the position of the FAULT/CONT./START switch.
Switch Position| Condition Tested
---|---
FAULT| Short between START winding and frame
CONT.| Continuity of START winding -
Run Test (Black): This push button switch tests two conditions, depending on the position of the FAULT/CON./START switch.
Switch Position| Condition Tested
---|---
FAULT| Short between RUN winding and frame
CONT.| Continuity of RUN winding -
Indicator Light: LINE NORM (white)/REV (red). These lights are used to indicate the “condition” of the power source to which the HA1 is connected.
Line Voltage| Indicator Light| Status
---|---|---
110V AC| NORM on/REV off| Normal
REV on/NORM off| Neutral and line wires reversed at power receptacle. Refer to CAUTION under section on 110V AC operation
NORM and REV on (half intensity)| System ground open or not connected at power receptacle
220V AC| NORM and REV on (full intensity)| Normal -
Test Jacks: The four test jacks are connected directly to the test cable of the corresponding color:
- COMMON = white
- GROUND* = yellow
- START = red
- RUN = black
The purpose of the test jacks is to facilitate resistance and voltage readings
by enabling voltmeter/ohm meter test leads to be connected to the compressor
motor circuit by inserting them into the appropriate jack at the HA1 front
panel.
*Since this cable is an “artificial” ground line it is colored yellow instead of green.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE: Every effort has been made to make the HA1 a safe and versatile
tester. However, under some circumstances line voltage may be present on the
HA1 test cables when the control switches are in the OFF position. For this
reason it is very important to read and become familiar with the section on
Operating Instructions.
The following procedures have been detailed so a thorough understanding of the
operation sequence may be gained. In practice, the following tests may be
performed very quickly
110V AC Operation **
**
CAUTION! The HA1 is wired so that the white COMMON test cable is connected to the neutral side of the line. The red START and black RUN cables are connected to the hot side of the line by the POWER BREAKER switch and the REV/OFF/FWD switch. If the 110V AC receptacle has been accidentally reverse wired, the white COMMON cable will be “hot” as soon as the HA1 is plugged into the power receptacle. To warn against such a condition, the red REV LINE indicator will light as soon as the HA1 is plugged into a grounded receptacle. In this case follow procedure B for reversed line condition.
A. Normal Test Procedure
-
The REV/OFF/FWD switch must be in the OFF position.
-
Plug the HA1 into a grounded 110V AC receptacle and turn on the POWER switch. This is a push on – push off switch. The
white NORM LINE indicator should light.
NOTE: If the receptacle is ungrounded, both the NORM and the REV LINE indicator will light, but at half intensity. The absence of a grounded line will not prevent any of the following tests
from being made. IMPORTANT: verify that the receptacle is not also reverse wired by measuring the voltage between the white COM cable and a ground connection. A reversed line will measure 110V AC. A normal line will measure zero volts. If the receptacle is reverse wired, follow procedure B. -
Remove power to the unit which is to be tested.
-
Remove and identify the connectors going to the common, start, and run terminals of the compressor motor.
-
Push the FAULT/CONT./START switch to the FAULT position and hold it there while pressing the red START TEST and black RUN TEST switches in turn. If either the START indicator or RUN indicator lights, there is a short between that winding and the frame. STOP the test and replace the unit.
-
Connect the white COMMON cable to the common terminal of the compressor motor.
-
Press, in turn, the GROUND TEST, START TEST, and RUN TEST switches. The appropriate indicator will light indicating
continuity in the circuit being tested.
NOTE: To test for ground continuity the appliance must be plugged into a grounded 110V AC receptacle or be grounded through an external connection.
If either the run or start winding indicate open, stop the test and replace the unit. -
Select the appropriate motor start capacitor.
-
Press the FAULT/CONT./START switch to the START position and, holding it there, throw the REV/OFF/FWD switch to the FWD position. If the compressor starts, release the START switch. The compressor will continue to run. The compressor may be stopped by returning the REV/OFF/FWD switch to the OFF position. If the compressor does not start immediately, the rotor may be locked. Release the START switch and return the REV/OFF/ FWD switch to the OFF position.
-
To “bump” the compressor, press the FAULT/CONT./START switch to the START position and, holding it there, throw the REV/OFF/FWD switch to the REV position. If the compressor starts immediately, then release both switches. Repeat step 10 to assure that the compressor will run in the forwards direction. If the compressor does not start immediately in reverse, then release both switches. A locked rotor will result in excessive current being drawn by the compressor.
-
Steps 10 & 11 may be repeated a few times in an attempt to free a locked rotor, but care should be taken not to overheat the motor windings. If the compressor still does not start, then it should be replaced.
-
Push the POWER BREAKER switch OFF. Disconnect the HA1 test cables from the motor.
B. Reversed Line Operation
If the 110V AC receptacle is reverse wired the main thing to remember is
that the white COMMON cable will be “hot” regardless of any HA1 switch
setting. Therefore, exercise extreme care. Follow the same procedure as for
Normal Operation (A) steps 1 through 6, but keep the white COMMON cable
isolated to prevent accidental contact with it. Before doing step 7, unplug
the HA1 from the power receptacle, connect the white COMMON cable to the
common terminal of the motor, and then plug the HA1 into the power receptacle.
Proceed with the tests outlines in steps 8 through 12, section A
220V AC Operation
CAUTION! The white COM cable will be hot as soon as the HA1 line cord is connected to 220V AC. Always make sure that power to the HA1 is shut off before connecting the HA1 cables to the compressor motor on 220V AC operation.
-
The REV/OFF/FWD switch and the PWR BREAKER switch must be in the off position.
-
Remove power to the unit which is to be tested.
-
Some compressor units have fans mounted in the same housing as the compressor. If possible turn down the thermostat, or disconnect the fan, so that the fan will not operate during the compressor tests. The fan noise could make it difficult to listen to the action of the compressor.
-
Remove and identify the connectors going to the COMMON, START, and RUN terminals of the compressor motor.
-
Connect the test cables of the HA1 to the compressor motor.
- Yellow GROUND cable to compressor motor frame
- Red START cable to the start terminal
- Black RUN cable to the run terminal
- Leave the white COMMON cable disconnected until step 10
-
Use an adapter cord of at least #14 AWG wire size to connect the HA1 to the 220V AC input terminals.
-
Turn on the power to the HA1.
NOTE: Remember to keep the white COM cable out of the way. It will have 110V AC on the clip. -
Push the POWER BREAKER to the ON position. Both LINE NORM/REV indicators will light.
-
Push the FAULT/CONT./START switch to the FAULT position and hold it there while pressing the red START TEST and black RUN TEST switches in sequence. If either the START indicator or RUN indicator lights, there is a short between that winding and the frame. STOP the test and replace the unit.
-
Turn off the 220V AC power source to the HA1. Connect the white COM cable to the common terminal of the compressor motor.
-
Press, in turn, the GROUND, TEST, START TEST, and RUN TEST switches. The appropriate indicator will light indicating continuity in the circuit being tested. If either the run or start winding indicate open, stop the test and replace the unit.
-
Select the appropriate motor start capacitor.
-
Press the FAULT/CONT./START switch to the START position and, holding it there, throw the REV/OFF/FWD switch to the FWD position. If the compressor starts, release the START switch. The compressor will continue to run. The compressor may be stopped by returning the REV/OFF/FWD switch to the OFF position.
If the compressor does not start immediately, the rotor may be locked. Release the START switch and return the REV/OFF/FWD switch to the OFF position. -
To “bump” the compressor, press the FAULT/CONT./START switch the START position and, holding it there, throw the REV/OFF/FWD switch to the REV position. If the compressor
starts immediately then release both switches. Repeat step 13 to assure that the compressor will run in the forwards direction.
If the compressor does not start immediately in reverse, then release both switches. A locked rotor will result in excessive current being drawn by the compressor. -
Steps 13 and 14 may be repeated a few times in an attempt to free a locked rotor, but care should be taken not to overheat the motor windings. If the compressor still does not start, then it should be replaced.
-
Turn off the 220V AC power source to the HA1. Disconnect the HA1 test cables from the motor.
SPECIFICATIONS
Running Current
25
Capacitor Range
Position| Range
100MFD| 88-180MFD
200MFD| 161-193MFD
300MFD| 249-301MFD
Input Voltage
110 to 250V AC
Limited Warranty
The HA1 is warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for
a period of three year from the date of purchase. If within the warranty
period your instrument should become inoperative from such defects, the unit
will be repaired or replaced at UEi’s option. This warranty covers normal use
and does not cover damage which occurs in shipment or failure which results
from alteration, tampering, accident, misuse, abuse, neglect or improper
maintenance. Batteries and consequential damage resulting from failed
batteries are not covered by warranty. Any implied warranties, including but
not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a
particular purpose, are limited to the express warranty. UEi shall not be
liable for loss of use of the instrument or other incidental or consequential
damages, expenses, or economic loss, or for any claim or claims for such
damage, expenses or economic loss. A purchase receipt or other proof of
original purchase date will be required before warranty repairs will be
rendered. Instruments out of warranty will be repaired (when repairable) for a
service charge.
For more information on warranty and service: This warranty gives you
specific legal rights. You may also have other rights which vary from state to
state.