Emerson Comfort Alert 543-0033-00 User manual

1
User’s Manual
543-0033-00
,
943-0033-00
™

2
Comfort Alert™
Diagnostics – Faster Service And Improved Accuracy
The Comfort Alert diagnostics module is a breakthrough innovation for troubleshooting
heat pump and air conditioning system failures. The module installs easily in the electrical
box of the outdoor unit near the compressor contactor. By monitoring and analyzing
data from the Copeland Scroll
®
compressor and the thermostat demand, the module
can accurately detect the cause of electrical and system related failures without any
sensors. A fl ashing LED indicator communicates the ALERT code and guides the service
technician more quickly and accurately to the root cause of a problem.
NOTE:
This module does not provide safety protection! The Comfort Alert module
is a monitoring device and cannot shut down the compressor directly.
LED Description (Figure 1)
POWER LED (Green): indicates voltage is present at
the power connection of the module.
ALERT LED (Yellow): communicates an abnormal system
condition through a unique fl ash code. The ALERT LED
will fl ash a number of times consecutively, pause and then
repeat the process. The number of consecutive fl ashes,
defi ned as the Flash Code, correlates to a particular
abnormal condition. Detailed descriptions of specific
ALERT Flash Codes are shown in two tables on pages 8
and 9 of this manual.
TRIP LED (Red): indicates there is a demand signal from
the thermostat but no current to the compressor is detected
by the module. The TRIP LED typically indicates the
compressor protector is open or may indicate
missing supply power to the compressor.
Product Specifi cations
Operating Temperature: -40° to 150° F (-40° to 65° C)
Storage Temperature: -40° to 175° F (-40° to 80° C)
Power Supply Range: 18-30VAC, 48-62 Hz
Power Requirement: 1.5 VA nominal (without solenoid on)
6.0VA nominal (with solenoid on)
UL Restrictions: Use only with Class 2 circuits.
This Comfort Alert module is designed only for single-phase systems with Copeland
scroll compressors that have internal overload protection.
The software in this Comfort
Alert module has been optimized for two stage UltraTech™ scroll systems.
Figure 1
UL File #SA8958

3
Module Dimensions (Figure 2):
A. 1.85 in (47 mm) D. 4.40 in (112mm)
B. 2.44 in (62 mm) E. 2.44 in (62 mm)
C. 1.46 in (37 mm)
Hardware Installation
Four #8 or #10 self drilling or sheet metal screws, at least ½” length, are required for
installation of the Comfort Alert module. The maximum screw torque is 20 in.-lbs. Locate
the Comfort Alert module near the compressor contactor (wire routing for compressor
run, common and start wires will be easier in this position). Mount the Comfort Alert
module so all LEDs are visible from a comfortable viewing position. The module will
operate in any mounting orientation. For ease of reading labels, the module should be
oriented so that the green POWER LED is at the top.
WARNING
Hazardous voltage inside air conditioning system.
Disconnect power before installing or servicing module.
Module must be installed and serviced only by qualifi ed
personnel.
Figure 2

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Compressor Wire Routing (Figure 3)
The scroll compressor’s run (R), common (C) and start (S) wires are routed through the
holes in the Comfort Alert module marked “R,” “C” and “S.” The common (C) wire need
not be routed through the module for it to operate properly.
24VAC Power Wiring
The Comfort Alert module requires
a constant nominal 24VAC power
supply. The wiring to the module’s R
and C terminals must be directly from
the indoor unit or thermostat. The
module cannot be powered by the C
terminal on a defrost board or other
control board without experiencing
nuisance alerts. Refer to
Figure 5
.
When constant 24VAC (R wire) is not
present in the outdoor unit, use one of
the spare wires in the thermostat cable
to bring power to the module. Connect
the other end of the spare wire to R at
the indoor unit or thermostat. Refer to
wiring schematic in
Figure 4 and 5
.
Thermostat Demand Wiring
The Comfort Alert module requires a thermostat demand signal to operate properly. The
thermostat demand signal input, labeled Y on the module, should always be connected
to the compressor contactor coil so that when the coil is energized, the demand signal
input is 24VAC. When the coil is not energized, the demand signal input should be less
than 0.5VAC.
NOTE:
Factory installed modules may have different thermostat demand signal
wiring. Follow manufacturer’s wiring instructions when replacing module.
NOTE:
After the thermostat demand signal is connected, verify Y is phased
properly with C by measuring 24VAC across Y and C when demand is present.
Figure 3

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Figure 4 Air Conditioning Schematic
Figure 5 Heat Pump Schematic
Two Stage Indoor Thermostat
Ultra Tech
Solenoid
529-0369-00
HPCO HTCO
CC
LPCO
Y2
Y
L
R
C
DC SOL
Y2 CRLY1
Comfort Alert
Diagnostics
Module
543-0033-00
Y2 CRLY1
Indoor Unit
Terminal Block
Two Stage Indoor Thermostat
Ultra Tech
Solenoid
529-0369-00
HPCO HTCO
CC
LPCO
Y2
Y
L
R
C
DC SOL
Y2 CRLY1
Comfort Alert
Diagnostics
Module
543-0033-00
Y2 CRLY1
Indoor Unit
Terminal Block
Defrost
Board
Schematic Abbrevation Descriptions
HTCO High Temperature Cut Out Switch CC Compressor Contactor
HPCO High Pressure Cut Out Switch
LPCO Low Pressure Cut Out Switch

6
Thermostat Second Stage Cooling Wiring
This Comfort Alert module requires a two stage thermostat to operate properly. The
Y2 thermostat wire coming into the outdoor unit
should be connected to
t
he Y2 input
on Comfort Alert
.
While the compressor is running, Comfort Alert will provide power to the second stage
cooling solenoid inside the compressor after Y2 has been energized for 5 seconds.
Whenever the compressor is not running, Comfort Alert will not power the solenoid,
regardless of the state of Y2. If Alert codes 1 or 9 appear while the compressor is
running, Comfort Alert will turn off the solenoid to prevent solenoid damage from
overheating conditions.
L Terminal
Wiring
The L connection is used to communicate Alert codes to compatible White-Rodgers
thermostats. The L terminal of the thermostat should be connected directly to the Comfort
Alert L terminal.
On select White-Rodgers thermostats, an icon on the thermostat display will fl ash at
the same rate as the Comfort Alert yellow Alert LED. An advanced option on these
thermostats is to lock out the compressor when certain Alert codes are detected indicating
impending compressor damage. Refer to White-Rodgers thermostat manuals for more
information.
DC SOL Connection
The two pin DC SOL connector provides a connection to the Copeland UltraTech
second stage compressor solenoid. This solenoid is internal to the compressor. This
24VDC solenoid will not operate properly if 24VAC is applied to the compressor solenoid
terminals.
To reduce the VA load of the solenoid on the system, Comfort Alert uses a phase control
method to reduce the DC voltage to the solenoid to the minimum level required to keep
the solenoid pulled in. As the 24VAC supply voltage varies, Comfort Alert intelligently
changes the solenoid DC voltage supply to minimize power consumption.
A voltmeter
attached to the DC SOL output will measure 4-18VDC, when solenoid should be
energized, depending on the level of the 24VAC supply.

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Interpreting The Diagnostic LEDs
When an abnormal system condition occurs, the Comfort Alert module displays the
appropriate ALERT and/or TRIP LED. The yellow ALERT LED will fl ash a number of
times consecutively, pause and then repeat the process. To identify a Flash Code
number, count the number of consecutive fl ashes. Every time the module powers
up, the last ALERT Flash Code that occurred prior to shut down is displayed for one
minute.
Installation Verifi cation
To verify the installation of Comfort Alert is correct, two functional tests can be performed.
Disconnect power from the compressor and force a thermostat call for cooling. The red
Trip LED should turn on indicating a compressor trip as long as 24VAC is measured at
the Y terminal. If the red LED does not function as described, refer to
Table 1
to verify
the wiring.
Disconnect power from the compressor and 24VAC from Comfort Alert. Remove the
wire from the Y terminal of Comfort Alert, reapply 24VAC power to Comfort Alert and
reconnect power to the compressor. Force a thermostat call for cooling and when the
Compressor starts to run, the yellow Alert LED will begin fl ashing a Code 8 indicating
a Welded Contactor. Disconnect power from the compressor and 24VAC from Comfort
Alert. While Comfort Alert is off, reattach the wire to the Y terminal. Reapply power to
compressor and 24VAC to Comfort Alert, the yellow Alert LED will fl ash the previous
code 8 for 1 minute and then turn off. If the yellow LED does not function as described,
refer to
Table 1
to verify the wiring.
Troubleshooting The Installation
Depending on the system confi guration, some ALERT Flash codes may not be active.
The presence of safety switches affects how the system alerts are displayed by this
module. Refer to
Figures 4 & 5
for safety switch wiring.
Resetting Alert Codes
Alert codes can be reset manu
ally and automatically. The manual method to reset an Alert
code is to cycle the power to Comfort Alert off and on.
For automatic reset, Comfort Alert
continues to monitor the compressor and system after an Alert is detected. If conditions
return to normal, the Alert code is turned off automatically.
Com
fort Alert Part Numbers
OEM P/N
Service P/N
Copeland Scroll Compressor Application
543-0010-00
943-0010-00
Single Stage Air Conditioning
543-0012-00
943-0012-00
All Heat Pump and Two Stage A/C
543-0032-00
943-0032-00
Single Stage A/C & Heat Pump
543-0033-00
943-0033-00
Two Stage A/C & Heat Pump

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Status LED
Status LED Description
Status LED Troubleshooting Information
Green “POWER”
Module has power
Supply voltage is present at module terminals
Red “TRIP”
Thermostat demand signal
Y is
present, but the
compressor is
not
running
1.Compressor protector is open
•Check for high head pressure
•Check compressor supply voltage
2.Outdoor unit power disconnect is open
3.Compressor circuit breaker or fuse(s) is open
4.Broken wire or connector is not making contact
5.Low pressure switch open if present in system
6.Compressor contactor has failed open
Yellow “ALERT”
Flash Code 1
Long Run Time
Compressor
is
running extremely
long run
cycles
1.Low refrigerant charge
2.Evaporator blower is not running
•Check blower relay coil and contacts
•Check blower motor capacitor
•Check blower motor for failure or blockage
•Check evaporator blower wiring and connectors
•Check indoor blower control board
•Check thermostat wiring for open circuit
3.Evaporator coil is frozen
•Check for low suction pressure
•Check for excessively low thermostat setting
•Check evaporator airfl ow (coil blockages or return air fi lter)
•Check ductwork or registers for blockage
4.Faulty metering device
•Check TXV bulb installation (size, location and contact)
•Check if TXV/fi xed orifi ce is stuck closed or defective
5. Condenser coil is dirty
6. Liquid line restriction (fi lter drier blocked if present in system)
7. Compressor Second Stage Cooling Wiring
•Solenoid plug not connected
•Y2 not wired at Comfort Alert
8. Thermostat is malfunctioning
•Check thermostat sub-base or wiring for short circuit
•Check thermostat installation (location, level)
9.Comfort Alert failure
Yellow “ALERT”
Flash Code 2
System Pressure Trip
Discharge or suction
pressure out of limits or
compressor overloaded
1. High head pressure
•Check high pressure switch if present in system
•Check if system is overcharged with refrigerant
•Check for non-condensable in system
2. Condenser coil poor air circulation (dirty, blocked, damaged)
3.Condenser fan is not running
•Check fan capacitor
•Check fan wiring and connectors
•Check fan motor for failure or blockage
4.Return air duct has substantial leakage
5.If low pressure switch present in system, check Flash
Code 1 information

9
Status LED
Status LED Description
Status LED Troubleshooting Information
Yellow “ALERT”
Flash Code 3
Short Cycling
Compressor is running
only briefl y
1. Thermostat demand signal is intermittent
2. Time delay relay or control board defective
3. If high pressure switch present go to Flash Code 2 information
4. If low pressure switch present go to Flash Code 1 information
Yellow “ALERT”
Flash Code 4
Locked Rotor
1.Run capacitor has failed
2.Low line voltage (contact utility if voltage at disconnect is low)
•Check wiring connections
3.Excessive liquid refrigerant in compressor
4.Compressor bearings are seized
•Measure compressor oil level
Yellow “ALERT”
Flash Code 5
Open Circuit
1.Outdoor unit power disconnect is open
2.Compressor circuit breaker or fuse(s) is open
3.Compressor contactor has failed open
•Check compressor contactor wiring and connectors
•Check for compressor contactor failure (burned, pitted or open)
•Check wiring and connectors between supply and compressor
•Check for low pilot voltage at compressor contactor coil
4.High pressure switch is open and requires manual reset
5.Open circuit in compressor supply wiring or connections
6.Unusually long compressor protector reset time due to
extreme ambient temperature
7.Compressor windings are damaged
•Check compressor motor winding resistance
Yellow “ALERT”
Flash Code 6
Open Start Circuit
Current only in run circuit
1.Run capacitor has failed
2.Open circuit in compressor start wiring or connections
•Check wiring and connectors between supply and the
compressor “S” terminal
3.Compressor start winding is damaged
•Check compressor motor winding resistance
Yellow “ALERT”
Flash Code 7
Open Run Circuit
Current only in start circuit
1.Open circuit in compressor run wiring or connections
•Check wiring and connectors between supply and the
compressor “R” terminal
2.Compressor run winding is damaged
•Check compressor motor winding resistance
Yellow “ALERT”
Flash Code 8
Welded Contactor
Compressor always runs
1.Compressor contactor has failed closed
2.Thermostat demand signal not connected to module
Yellow “ALERT”
Flash Code 9
Low Voltage
Control circuit < 17VAC
1.Control circuit transformer is overloaded
2.Low line voltage (contact utility if voltage at disconnect is low)
•Check wiring connections
Flash Code number corresponds to a number of LED fl ashes, followed by a pause and then repeated.
TRIP and ALERT LEDs fl ashing at same time means control circuit voltage is too low for operation.

10
NOTE:
The correct Comfort Alert model must be used for the application (refer
to the Product Specifi cation section on pages 2 and 3). If the wrong model is
installed, the ALERT Flash Codes for system faults will function incorrectly: the
Comfort Alert module may indicate system faults that are not present or fail to
indicate system faults that are present.
NOTE:
Miswiring the Comfort Alert module will cause false LED codes. Table 1
describes LED operation when the module is miswired and what troubleshooting
action is required to correct the problem.
Miswired Module Indication Recommended Troubleshooting Action
Green LED is not on, Determine if both R and C module terminals are
module does not power up connected. Verify voltage is present at module’s R and
C terminals. Review
24VAC Power Wiring
(page 4) for
R and C wiring.
Green LED intermittent, Determine if R and Y terminals are wired in reverse.
module powers up only Verify module’s R and C terminals have a constant
when compressor runs source. Review
24VAC Power Wiring
(page 4) for R
and C wiring.
TRIP LED is on but system Verify Y terminal is connected to 24VAC at contactor
and compressor check OK coil. Verify voltage at contactor coil falls below 0.5VAC
when off.
Verify 24VAC is present across Y and C when
thermostat demand signal is present. If not, R and C are
reverse wired.
TRIP LED and ALERT LED Verify R and C terminals are supplied with 19-28VAC.
fl ashing together
ALERT Flash Code 3 Verify Y terminal is connected to 24VAC at contactor coil.
(Compressor Short Cycling) Verify voltage at contactor coil falls below 0.5VAC when
displayed incorrectly off.
ALERT Flash Code 5, 6 or 7 Check that compressor run and start wires are through
(Open Circuit, Open Start Circuit module’s current sensing holes. Verify Y terminal is
or Open Run Circuit) displayed connected to 24VAC at contactor coil. Verify voltage at
incorrectly contactor coil falls below 0.5VAC when off.
ALERT Flash Code 6 (Open Check that compressor run and start wires are routed
Start Circuit) displayed for Code 7 through the correct module sensing holes.
(Open Run Circuit) or vice versa
ALERT Flash Code 8 Determine if module’s Y terminal is connected. Verify Y
(Welded Contactor) terminal is connected to 24VAC at contactor coil. Verify
displayed incorrectly 24VAC is present across Y and C when thermostat
demand
signal is present. If not, R and C are reverse
wired. Verify voltage at contactor coil falls below 0.5VAC
when off. Review
Thermostat Demand Wiring
(page 4) for
Y and C wiring
.
Table 1