Hi. I worked on an ice machine today that had a bad contactor and a bad run capacitor. The capacitor measured completely out of range, but no bulging. The contactor would engage but still read 120V pole to pole. Why would the contactor and the run capacitor go out? The start capacitor was fine, I guess because the start relay took it out of circuit. I could not check the compressor because I could not get the back panel off--machine was too close to the wall. Is this common for CSCR motors? Any ideas?

 

So what was actually wrong with the contactor if it was switching OK?
Max.

 

So what was actually wrong with the contactor if it was switching OK?
Max.

Well it would engage but pass no current. You could see the little connecting bar depress when 24V is applied. But top to bottom pole still read 120V instead of 0V.

 

For a compressor contactor it is recommended to go with a Special Purpose Contactor, if not already, this is a type of contactor for HVAC and compressor uses among others and is rated for motorized systems that are constantly cycling.
Max.