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Glossary
Advanced Features
Available advanced diagnostic and serial communication capability
AGENCY APPROVALS
UL – Underwriter’s Laboratory approved. RoHS – Restriction of Hazardous Substances approved. **uL Construction approved only.
Available Horsepower
For ECM motors, full load rated horsepower.
Average Power (Continuous Fan CFM)
Average power consumption when the motor is running at continuous fan speed. Premuim ECM has lower speed capability than Standard ECM.
Average Power (Cooling CFM)
Average power consumption when the motor is running at high speed (i.e. for cooling).
CAPACITANCE
The property of a capacitor that defines its ability to store an electrical charge (or energy) when a given voltage is applied. The international unit of measurement for capacitance is Farad (or microfarads), which is named after the famous English inventor Michael Faraday (1791-1867).
CAPACITOR ROLL
Capacitor element made of two metallized film layers sprayed on both ends with metal to make the connections to the extremely thin edges of the metallized electrodes.
CASE STYLE
Oil-Filled capacitors are manufactured in either a round or oval Aluminum can, while the Dry capacitors are manufactured in a round plastic case.
Climate Profiles
Climate Profiles are an extensive array of programmable features for varying airflow as a function of time. The OEM programs these into the control in order to enhance comfort and efficiency.
DIELECTRIC
The material used as the insulator in capacitor construction.
DUAL RATED
Oil-Filled capacitors are manufactured with either a single capacitance rating or a dual capacitance rating. Dry capacitors are only manufactured with a single capacitance rating.
FAILURE MODE
Oil-Filled capacitors have a safe failure mode due to the Pressure Sensitive Interrupter (PSI). The dry capacitors do not have a safe failure mode, and can possibly melt, smoke, and even smell at the end of life.
INDUSTRY STANDARD
EIA-456 Standard for Metallized Film Dielectric Capacitors describes a Highly Accelerated Life Test (HALT) that is specified by all major OEMs in several different markets, but most notably in the HVACR market. This test simulates 60,000 hours of life. IEC-252 Standard International for AC motor capacitors describes the class of operation B, which is a Highly Accelerated Life Test (HALT) that simulates 10,000 hours of life.
Intelligent Controls
Motors that can maintain constant airflow ramp up and down to compensate for static pressure changes. Motors that maintain constant torque adjust slightly so there are minimal changes in airflow as static pressure changes. PSC have the most fluctuation in airflow as static pressure changes.
INTERNAL PROTECTION
Pressure Sensitive Interrupter (PSI) is a device developed and patented by General Electric designed to sense the build-up of pressure within the capacitor if a fault occurs and to interrupt the internal electrical connections before the case can rupture. This is a safe failure mode.
OPERATING LIFE
The maximum operating life a capacitor can operate when the ratings of a capacitor are not exceeded.
OPERATING TEMP
The maximum operating temperature where the capacitor a can operate without derating.
Peak Motor Efficiency
This is the maximum motor efficiency. Efficiency will vary with load.
Speed Range
The programmed (in the case of ECM) operating speed range.
Speeds
Premium ECMs are controlled by multiple thermostat inputs. Standard ECMs have discrete constant torque speed taps. PSC has discrete speed taps.
Technology
Brushless DC single phase motor with permanent magnet rotor. Induction motor is permanent split capacitor type motor.
VOLTAGE RANGE
The representation of the electric potential energy per unit charge. If a unit of electrical charge were placed in a location, the voltage indicates the potential energy of it at that point. In other words, it is a measurement of the energy contained within an electric field, or an electric circuit, at a given point.