NOTE: Heat pump refrigeration drawing
Overcharged Refrigerant Systems
Compressor amps will be near normal or higher. Noncondensables can also cause these symptoms. To confirm, remove some of the charge, if conditions improve, system may be overcharged. If conditions don’t improve, Noncondensables are indicated.
Whenever an overcharged system is indicated, always make sure that the problem is not caused by air flow problems. Improper air flow over the evaporator coil may indicate some of the same symptoms as an overcharged system.
An over charge can cause the compressor to fail, since it would be "slugged" with liquid refrigerant.
The charge for any system is critical. When the compressor is noisy, suspect an overcharge, when you are sure that the air quantity over the evaporator coil is correct. Icing of the evaporator will not be encountered because the refrigerant will boil later if at all. Gauges connected to system will usually have higher head pressure (depending upon amount of overcharge). Suction pressure should be slightly higher.
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