How to Identify Common, Start & Run Terminals on a Refrigerator Compressor
When preparing for the troubleshooting or testing of refrigerator compressor circuits, the identification of the common, start and run wiring terminals is of utmost importance.
Tip
The colors for the individual wires are usually as follows: black for common, yellow for start and red for run. Some refrigerators use a pin-type plug-in receptacle for compressor connections. Identify the pins by the following letters: “C” for common, “S” for start and “R” for run.
Warning
Capacitors used for starting compressor motors may have stored voltage in them, even when the appliance is disconnected. Observe all the appliance manufacturer’s safety recommendations in the owner’s manual and other servicing notifications before any work is performed.
Manufacturers usually color-code compressor terminal wiring in their products, but if a schematic is not available to cross-reference the colors, they can be identified by their location on the compressor terminal bus. You can identify and verify the common, start and run wires with basic do-it-your skills and a screwdriver.
-
Remove the refrigerator electrical plug from its outlet.
-
Remove the compressor access panel screws, using a Phillips screwdriver. The panel is located at the lower rear of the appliance.
-
Locate the compressor terminal bus. The bus has several wires of various colors connected to it. Typically, the common terminal is on the top of the bus, the run is on the right-hand side and the start terminal is on the left.
References
Writer Bio
Max Stout began writing in 2000 and started focusing primarily on non-fiction articles in 2008. Now retired, Stout writes technical articles with a focus on home improvement and maintenance. Previously, he has worked in the vocational trades such as automotive, home construction, residential plumbing and electric, and industrial wire and cable. Max also earned a degree of biblical metaphysician from Trinity Seminars Ministry Academy.
More Articles
