Run cap crankcase heater

[NiHaoMike]

I remember reading about some manufacturer (Rheem?) that wired the contactor to only switch off the run winding and start circuit (if equipped). The idea was that the run cap and start winding would act as an induction heater, heating the compressor from the inside out and serving as the crankcase heater.

Does that require special design of the compressor to be effective? I tried that with a 1/2 ton rotary compressor (disconnected the run winding and plugged it in with the start winding and run cap in the circuit) and it got the upper part of the compressor warm to the touch, but the sump still felt cold.

[passandscore]

As long as the capacitor is sized based on the Manufacturers specifications there should be no problems.

http://www.hvacrinfo.com/cope_ae_bulletins/TAE1230.PDF

[jamieson91]

I would like to know the difference in current draw , interesting though !