Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine September 2026

HVACR NewsMagazine September 2026

Tech News

If you are working on other motor types, such as self-contained refrigeration with a current relay, I would say the same. Go ahead and replace it rather than run the risk of another issue. If a contactor is bright, shiny, and brand new, I'm probably not going to replace it. If it shows signs of wear, it is a good practice to replace it at the same time as the compressor, ESPECIALLY in three-phase units where single phasing can occur if one contact fails to connect. At Kalos, we like to replace contactors with the SureSwitch because of its durability, the fact that it's sealed (so a bunch of ants don't get fried on it), and its built-in compressor protection features. We have a visual and written guide for installing the SureSwitch, and we also have a video showing the installation process. I recommend taking care of any contamination or burnout by using appropriate filter driers in both the liquid and suction lines and monitoring or replacing them, depending on the application and according to the recommendations by Copeland and Sporlan. If the system contains an accumulator, it's advised to empty the old accumulator and measure the amount of oil it contains and its condition. It is often easier to replace the accumulator rather than reinstall it, especially if it has any signs of corrosion. Why Replace the Contactor? Anything Else?

Take a close look at your pipework to make sure it is run properly without unnecessary oil traps. It should also have inverted traps at the coil wherever needed to prevent flooded starts and good suction line insulation. We also suggest using a virgin charge, cleaning the system condenser, evaporator, and condensate system, and making sure the proper airflow is present. It is also a good idea to ensure that all manufacturer recommended accessories are installed, especially if long lines are present. This could