If your AC compressor is tripping the breaker, then it’s time to consider getting a hard start kit. A hard start kit is designed to help your HVAC system start up with ease, especially if your AC unit is experiencing voltage drops or power surges. However, for the hard start kit to work correctly, you need to ensure that it’s installed correctly.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything that you need to know about a hard start kit wiring diagram, including how to install it, the necessary tools required, and the benefits of having a hard start kit in your AC unit.
Table of Contents
- What is a Hard Start Kit?
- Tools Needed to Install a Hard Start Kit
- Installing a Hard Start Kit
- Step 1: Turn off Power Supply
- Step 2: Access the Compressor
- Step 3: Connect the Hard Start Kit
- Step 4: Reconnect the Power Supply
- Benefits of Installing a Hard Start Kit
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a Hard Start Kit?
A hard start kit is designed to help your AC compressor start-up with ease. A hard start kit works by giving your compressor motor an extra boost of energy during startup when the compressor is experiencing voltage drops or power surges. This, in turn, helps to prolong the life of your compressor and reduces energy consumption.
The hard start kit comprises two main components: a start capacitor and a potential relay. The capacitor is designed to give your compressor motor an extra energy boost during startup while the potential relay helps to switch the start capacitor off once the compressor motor has gained the desired speed.
2. Tools Needed to Install a Hard Start Kit
Before you start with the installation, you need to ensure that you have the required tools for the job. Below are the tools needed:
| Tools | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Insulated Screwdriver | 1 |
| Wire Striper | 1 |
| Pliers | 1 |
| Hard Start Kit | 1 |
3. Installing a Hard Start Kit
Installing a hard start kit is a bit technical, but it’s straightforward if you follow the steps correctly. Below are the installation steps:
- Step 1: Turn off Power Supply
- Step 2: Access the Compressor
- Step 3: Connect the Hard Start Kit
- Step 4: Reconnect the Power Supply
Before you start, ensure that you turn off the power supply to the AC unit. You can do this by switching the breaker off. This will prevent circuit shorts.
Next, you need to locate the compressor. The compressor is usually found outside the AC unit. Once you locate the compressor, remove the panel cover to access the wiring.
Take the wires that are connected to the compressor’s common and run terminal and connect them to the potential relay. Use the insulated screwdriver to do this to avoid electric shock. Next, connect the brown wire from the compressor’s run capacitor to the potential relay’s common terminal.
Take the start capacitor and connect one end of the capacitor to the potential relay’s start terminal. Next, connect the other end of the capacitor to the red wire that is coming from the compressor’s start terminal.
Next, take the black wire on the potential relay and connect it to the compressor’s run capacitor’s common terminal. Ensure that all connections are correctly tightened and insulated to prevent circuit shorts.
Once you have connected all the wires, it’s time to reconnect the power supply. Turn the breaker on and test your AC unit to ensure that everything is working correctly. If your AC unit starts with ease, then you have installed the hard start kit correctly.
4. Benefits of Installing a Hard Start Kit
Below are some benefits that you get when you install a hard start kit:
- Reduces energy consumption
- Prolongs the life of your compressor
- Helps your AC unit to start up with ease
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Do all AC units need a hard start kit?
A. No. Not all AC units require a hard start kit. You only need a hard start kit if your AC unit is experiencing power surges or voltage drops during startup.
Q. Can I install a hard start kit myself?
A. Yes, you can install a hard start kit yourself if you have the necessary tools and knowledge. However, if you’re not sure what to do, it’s always best to hire a professional HVAC technician to assist you.
Q. How much does it cost to install a hard start kit?
A. The cost of installing a hard start kit varies depending on your location and the HVAC contractor that you hire. However, on average, you can expect to pay between $200 to $400 for the installation.
Q. What happens if I don’t install a hard start kit?
A. If you don’t install a hard start kit, your AC compressor will experience voltage drops and power surges during startup, which will reduce the life of your compressor, increase energy consumption, and may even cause circuit shorts.
Q. How long does a hard start kit last?
A. A hard start kit can last for up to ten years if it’s installed correctly and maintained regularly. However, if it’s not installed correctly or exposed to extreme temperatures, it may fail earlier.
Q. Can a hard start kit damage my AC unit?
A. No. A hard start kit is designed to protect your AC unit and prolong the life of your compressor. However, if the hard start kit is installed incorrectly, it may cause circuit shorts, which can damage your AC unit.
Conclusion
A hard start kit is an essential component in your HVAC system. It helps to protect your AC unit by ensuring that your compressor starts up with ease, prolonging the life of your compressor, and reducing energy consumption. With this guide, you can install your hard start kit correctly and enjoy its benefits.
