As the motor thermal overload disc reaches its 290°F set-point temperature, it opens the circuit and stops the compressor operation. After some time has elapsed, the compressor motor winding thermal overload cools down and resets, causing the compressor to restart. Since this Carrier compressor motor overheating issue is usually caused by a system running low on charge it is imperative that the leak source be found and repaired before compressor damage can occur. If continued compressor overheated operation is allowed to continue, compressor damage, or destruction can occur. Compressor damage, or destruction can cause debris and acid formation in the system and must be cleaned up and removed from the system, to prevent further damage to the new compressor.

An additional compressor protector such as a manual reset low pressure switch should be added to the system as an additional fail safe mechanism.

Learn more about Copeland Scroll™ compressors by watching the video below.