Compressor windings extension?

[MUD DAWG]

Is there such a thing? Or anyone make one?

Some of the smaller compressors I work on are in awfully tight spots, and some require the use of a mirror to get at the windings. It would be great if there was an extension I could plug in, and do my tests from a better spot.


Thanks.

 

[MUD DAWG]

BTT....

I'm talking about refrigeration compressors BTW.

 

[redmondjp]

Could you be more specific about what test you are trying to do? I'm still drawing a blank on this one.

 

[MUD DAWG]

Could you be more specific about what test you are trying to do? I'm still drawing a blank on this one.

Yeah, sorry I should've done a better job. And it's more specifically the compressor terminals is what I'm talking about. I do the regular tests on the windings, resistance, short to ground, and then I need to test for amp draw. But like I said, some spots are awfully tight, unless I rip the whole machine apart.

There has to be an extension, that I could plug into the terminals and I could take my readings from a better spot. I could come up with something, if nothing commercial exists, but I'd be surprised if there wasn't one.

Thanks

 

[MUD DAWG]

I am picturing something like this.

 

[redmondjp]

Ahhh, now that makes sense! Do you need straight extensions (extra-long test probes), or are you looking for something with hooks on the ends so you can go from the opposite side?

Whatever it is, contact resistance is critically important, as you are already measuring low resistances in the windings. If you have a bad connection at the test probe, that could lead to erroneous test results.

I'm sure that you have already looked through the Fluke accessories catalog at all of their various probes and clips that are available.

 

[MUD DAWG]

Ahhh, now that makes sense! Do you need straight extensions (extra-long test probes), or are you looking for something with hooks on the ends so you can go from the opposite side?

Ideally, something like pictured with a 90 degree bend, but even a straight extension with a wire cord could work as well.

Whatever it is, contact resistance is critically important, as you are already measuring low resistances in the windings. If you have a bad connection at the test probe, that could lead to erroneous test results.

Bingo on the good connections, and hence why I'm looking for something that's easier and works better. Like I mentioned, some winding terminals are at such a bad spot or angle, that I'd need a mirror.

I'm sure that you have already looked through the Fluke accessories catalog at all of their various probes and clips that are available.

I have, but if you have a suggestion on what might work, please let me know. The issue isn't just with my meter. I also use a compressor tester, and it has alligator clips, which again sometimes I have to use a mirror to hook onto.

 

[redmondjp]

Well, here is something off the top of my head that could be of use - you could fabricate some probes, with either an L-bend or U-bend on the ends, out of bare brazing rods (or copper rods if you can find them), with the ends filed to a point. Then insulate the rest with electrical tape or heat-shrink tubing.

I would probably then solder some flexible test leads onto the base of them (maybe use an old set of multimeter test leads that have worn-out tips on them, cutting off the tips) - this would minimize the voltage drops in the test setup.

Is this along the lines of what you were thinking? Sometimes you have to make your own tools like this - I have done it dozens of times, and with my luck, I then put the setup somewhere underneath the workbench and then am lucky to ever have the need to use it again. Someday, my kids will be going through the garage and saying "what in the heck is this bunch of wires for?" before throwing it away . . .

 

[MUD DAWG]

Is this along the lines of what you were thinking?

Not quite, but your idea could definitely work. I just found this terminal plug, and I was thinking of using this on the compressor end, and then running the wires into a box with terminals that I could use to test from a remote location.

And you're right, sometimes you just have to make your own specific tool.

 

[redmondjp]

I like your plug idea even better - you could devise a switch box on the end with an "A-B" and "A-C" resistance checks, with two ports that you stick your DMM meter probe tips into like these (these are inline - I have a bunch of panel-mounted ones in my electronics parts drawers, but darn if I can find them online right now):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2mm-Gold-Pl...ps-with-Heat-Shrink-Tubing-Pair-/171084548642

 

[MUD DAWG]

I like your plug idea even better - you could devise a switch box on the end with an "A-B" and "A-C" resistance checks, with two ports that you stick your DMM meter probe tips into like these (these are inline - I have a bunch of panel-mounted ones in my electronics parts drawers, but darn if I can find them online right now):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2mm-Gold-Pl...ps-with-Heat-Shrink-Tubing-Pair-/171084548642

Awesome, that's exactly what I'll end up using. I'll just leave the ends exposed a little to allow for the alligator clips of the compressor tester. I'm surprised no such extension exists. I know most compressor terminals are exposed enough to be very difficult to access, but some machines I work on have the compressor terminals 2-3 inches away from the back wall of the machine. I sure lose a lot skin of my hands, and I'm always worried about shorting something out. Taking the skin of the machine off, and putting it back on, will take 45 minutes, only to diagnose a compressor. This extension would cut the diagnostic and testing down to 5 minutes or less.


Now I just have to find that plug. It's great because it should handle compressor with just a round terminal, and terminals with a spade connector as well. Apparently it's off a Carrier scroll compressor.

http://www.americanhvacparts.com/p-11145-scroll-compressor-replacement-plug-carrier.aspx