Amana VCA Service Instructions Manual page 3

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
WARNING
CAUTION
To locate an authorized servicer, please consult your telephone book or the dealer from whom you purchased this
product. For further assistance, please contact:
WARNING
System contaminants, improper Service Procedure and/or physical abuse affecting hermetic compressor electrical
terminals may cause dangerous system venting.
The successful development of hermetically sealed refrigeration compressors has completely sealed the compressor's
moving parts and electric motor inside a common housing, minimizing refrigerant leaks and the hazards sometimes
associated with moving belts, pulleys, or couplings.
Fundamental to the design of hermetic compressors is a method whereby electrical current is transmitted to the compressor
motor through terminal conductors which pass through the compressor housing wall. These terminals are sealed in a
dielectric material which insulates them from the housing and maintains the pressure tight integrity of the hermetic
compressor. The terminals and their dielectric embedment are strongly constructed, but are vulnerable to careless
compressor installation or maintenance procedures and equally vulnerable to internal electrical short circuits caused by
excessive system contaminants.
In either of these instances, an electrical short between the terminal and the compressor housing may result in the loss of
integrity between the terminal and its dielectric embedment. This loss may cause the terminals to be expelled, thereby
venting the vaporous and liquid contents of the compressor housing and system.
A venting compressor terminal normally presents no danger to anyone providing the terminal protective cover is properly
in place.
If, however, the terminal protective cover is not properly in place, a venting terminal may discharge a combination of
(a) hot lubricating oil and refrigerant
(b) flammable mixture (if system is contaminated with air)
in a stream of spray which may be dangerous to anyone in the vicinity. Death or serious bodily injury could occur.
Under no circumstances is a hermetic compressor to be electrically energized and/or operated without having the terminal
protective cover properly in place.
See Service Section S-17 for proper servicing.
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