supco 3in1 starters

[suampman]

Can someone explain; Is there a difference between the 3in1 starter kit and the hard start kit? Is the 3in1 essentially a hard start kit? How much difference is the current draw for a 1/12hp compressor compared to a 1/5th hp compressor? I am not doubting the experience of those who say they are bad for the compressor. I just gotsta know. I would like some technical data, if it is available. How do you know if a compressor fails that it was because of the starter (capacitor)? I would think that supco could not sell these units, in this litigious society, if they are that bad. Thanks for any info or answers that follow. Great website.

[Scottthewolf]

These should ONLY be used if the replacement compressor is no longer available or the customer doesn't want to spend the money on replacing the compressor or the whole refrigerator. It is NOT a permanent solution to the problem, you are just giving them time to shop for a new refrigerator or more time to have the compressor replaced. If the compressor will not start with the OEM relay, capacitor and overload, there is a reason why it won't start.

[RegUS_PatOff]

I think all of the "hard start" Compressor fails...

is because the Compressor was on it's last legs before installing the "hard start" kit.

The differences are in the built in Capacitor (if any) and the Overload device rating.

[NCARepair]

I stay away from them. Oem relays are not too expensive and provide a better repair. A good tech should be able to sell an oem repair if done right. Customers do not even know about them so why tell them? My discussions with other techs about these lead me to believe they are lazy and only want to carry one relay. Nothing like getting the hum/click and thinking it is going to be quick and finding out a hard start has been installed then failed and the wiring is all chopped up. I agree with reg if the original wont start it there is a reason for it.

[suampman]

So what you are saying is the 3in1(rco 810) is essentially a hard start kit?

[suampman]

I did not have the original relay and capacitor, which were both bad, so I installed the RCO810. The local appliance shop told me he puts them in every used refrigerator he sells. That is why I really am trying to get to the bottom of this. If you guys have had bad experiences with these I will go to the customers house and replace with the original. I would just like to know why they are bad and why they are not called hard starts, like the actual hard start kits. I really appreciate your responses. This is something that puzzles me because the difference between 1/12th hp and 1/5th hp does'nt seem like that much, but to be honest I have not done the math. Thanks.

[RegUS_PatOff]

they're called "hard starts" because the (already bad) Compressor is hard to start,

and these kits give it a littl;e extra help to start.

The difference between the 1/12 and the 1/5 may be the size (amp) rating of the over-load device

and the size of the starting Capacitor.