
4. Replace compressor fuses or switch on circuit breaker for the lead compressor only to ensure all systems are
refrigerating during commissioning.
5. If additional oil is needed, please add through the valve in 1st stage suction line. You can find more details in oil
charge section.
6. Switch on the main isolator. Providing enough refrigerant is in the system, the lead compressor will start up and
adding more refrigerant to the plant can commence.
Commissioning Step Two
Charging of the system should continue until the receiver is approximately 25% full, and the discharge pressure
approaching design value. When this condition has been reached, shut off all charging cylinders and allow the
compressor to run normally.
Check now that all the systems/stubs are refrigerating satisfactorily, evaporators fully frosted etc.
Commissioning Step Three
Now replace remaining compressor fuse circuit breakers and allow electronic compressor controller to stage in
compressors as required.
Commissioning Step Four
During the general commissioning the following electrical items should be checked:
1. Sub fuses, circuit breakers correct.
2. Main fuses, circuit breakers are correct and balanced.
3. Main compressor fuses and circuit breakers are correct.
4. All cable connections are tight.
5. Motor starter controls/contactor overloads are set correctly.
6. Check all contactors operate correctly.
13.6 Operational Checkout
When the system has been charged and has operated for at least 2 hours at normal operating conditions without
any indication of malfunction, it should be allowed to operate overnight on automatic controls. Then a thorough re-
check of the entire system operation should be made as follows:
1. Check the unit head and suction pressures. If the pressures are not within the system design limits, determine
why and take corrective action.
2. Check the liquid line sight-glass and expansion valves operation. If there are indications that more refrigerant is
required, leak test all connections and system components and repair any leaks before adding refrigerant.
3. Expansion valves must be checked for proper superheat settings.
Expansion valve probes must be in positive thermal contact with suction lines.
Valves with high superheat settings produce little refrigeration and poor oil return.
Too little superheat causes low refrigerant capacity and promotes liquid slugging and compressor oil removal.
LIQUID REFRIGERANT MUST BE PREVENTED FROM REACHING THE COMPRESSOR.
4. Using suitable instruments carefully check line voltage and amperages at the compressor terminals. Voltage
should be within 10% of the nameplate voltage.
The current should not exceed that on the nameplate rating. If amperage draw is excessive, immediately
determine the cause and take corrective action. On three phase motor-compressor, check to see that a balanced
load is drawn by each phase. Check all fan motors on air-cooled condensers and in fixture evaporator coils for
correct rotation. Fan motor mounts and fan blades should be carefully checked for tightness and proper alignment.
All motors requiring lubrication should be oiled or greased as per manufacturer’s recommendations. Check all
electrical load bearing terminals for tightness.