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Pro tip: I switched from a standard multimeter to a clamp meter with inrush current and it cut my fridge compressor diagnosis time in half.
I used to spend 20 minutes minimum on a fridge not starting, checking amps with my old meter and waiting for the compressor to cycle. Last week I grabbed my new Klein CL800, clamped it on the compressor lead, and saw the inrush spike was only 2 amps when it should have been 7 or 8. That told me the compressor was locked up right away, no waiting. The old way worked, but this tool gives you the answer in about 30 seconds. Anyone else using these for quick compressor checks, or do you stick with the old method?
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brookefox6mo ago
I was always taught to just check the run current and wait for the overload to trip. My old boss swore by that method. Seeing that inrush number change everything for me last month on a stubborn ice maker. The compressor was pulling a normal run current but the initial spike was way low, just like you said. It proved the windings were shot before I even pulled the panel. Now I won't go back to guessing.
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martinez.ryan6mo ago
Exactly, that inrush reading is a total game changer for finding weak windings.
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davis.gavin4mo ago
Ngl that makes total sense when you think about it. It's like how a car can hum along fine on the highway but the moment you hit the gas it starts knocking. The real tell is always in that first big load, not the steady cruise.
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