A/C Hard Start Kit

[RJay]

I noticed when my bedroom air condition started the fan would start normally but when the compressor started it sounded like someone stomped their foot on the roof and would occasionally wake us up. I think it was more noticeable in the bedroom because of the smaller space.


After searching the forum, I decided to buy two Supco SPP6E hard start kits. The kit replaces the original start capacitor. The capacitance of the kit is double that of the original capacitor. The “E” is the electronic version that monitors the voltage as the A/C starts until the voltage reaches the voltage level necessary to run. The benefit is that the kit will ensure the compressor won't stall if the park voltage is lower than normal. Since the kit is only in the circuit during start it doesn't do anything to correct low voltage and resulting damaging heat once it is running.


Before starting the installation I turned off the thermostat, opened the two breakers that feed both A/C's and disconnected shore power. I wasn't worried about the inverter because the A/C's don't run off the batteries. After removing the A/C shroud and the cover to the electronics enclosure the first thing I did was to use a piece of covered wire to short out both the start and run capacitors. The installation was a little tedious because of the location of the original start capacitor which was at the bottom of the enclosure under the run capacitor. I had to remove the screws that hold the enclosure to the main A/C frame and the run capacitor before lifting the enclosure so I could see the screw that holds the clamp that secures the run capacitor to the enclosure. The kit just fits in the space left by the old capacitor. I did not secure the kit because there was not enough space to reuse the clamp or to install a screw. So when I reattached the run capacitor I applied downward pressure to it so it held down the kit. After thinking about it, a couple of dabs of silicone put under the kit would hold it just fine when dried. While removing the capacitor in the front unit I noticed the run capacitor was a different size than the one on the rear which makes me wonder if the prior owner was also bothered by the thumping rear compressor and tried to fix it.


The kit comes with two wires and the original capacitor has three. This is not a problem since one of the leads on the kit has a piggy back spade to accommodate the third wire. I was somewhat in a hurry because the weather was warm and I didn't want to leave the A/C's off too long, but the entire job(both A/C's) took about two hours. And also the reason I don't have accompanying pictures.



Conclusion: When I turned everything back on and the A/C started the thumping was gone. I can still tell when the compressor starts but its barely detectable and a much smoother transition, I'm sure it won't wake us any longer. The kits should also contribute to a longer service life of my A/C's.

[JC2]

Good info to know for future reference. Thank you.

[RJay]

Your welcome. Doesn't the Voyager have basement air?

[JC2]

No sir. Ours has (2) roof ac's, front-Coleman 15000 BTU AC/heatpump, back- Coleman 13500 AC/heatpump. We're looking for a good pre-owned DP, 2002-2005 range and will be leaning towards roof air. Heard to many stories about basement air failing to cool properly.

[ralper]

My work was plumbing and HVAC and I have used these kits for years on A/C units. When I bought my 5er I had them installed when it was new. These kits are well worth the effort and cost. These kits will extend the life of your compressor due to the eaiser starting and less strain.

[Brigadoon]

RJay & ralper,

Do you thing these kits would be a benefit to 6 year old A/C units?

Thanks.