Question

Which of the following best explains why the electrical connections and starting relays on hermetic compressors are typically installed outside the compressor housing?

a. Electrical arcing could break down and contaminate the refrigerant, leading to a compressor burnout.
b. Most refrigerants are highly flammable, and electrical arcing could result in a compressor explosion.
c. Refrigerant is highly corrosive and would damage the electrical components in a matter of days.
d. All of the above.

Answer 1

The electrical connections and starting relays on hermetic compressors are typically installed outside the compressor housing to prevent contamination, reduce the risk of explosions, and protect the electrical components from corrosive refrigerant. The correct answer is d) All of the above.

Step-by-step explanation:

The electrical connections and starting relays on hermetic compressors are typically installed outside the compressor housing for several reasons:

1. The refrigerant used in compressors is highly sensitive to contamination. Electrical arcing could break down and contaminate the refrigerant, leading to a compressor burnout. By keeping the electrical connections outside the housing, the risk of contamination is minimized.
2. Some refrigerants used in compressors are highly flammable. If electrical arcing were to occur inside the housing, it could result in a compressor explosion. Installing the electrical connections outside the housing reduces the potential for such accidents.
3. Refrigerant can be highly corrosive and would damage electrical components if they were exposed to it for an extended period. By placing the electrical connections outside the housing, the risk of damage from the refrigerant is reduced.

Therefore, the correct answer is d) All of the above.