It's always nice when there's some extra wire under the contactor. I agree with the loose wire theory. I would have chalked it up to that as well. Nice repair Ted 🛠️👍
I just have to Agree with All the comments…Ted, you are the best in teaching us all your secrets of a Trade that is not DIY. My ears were Buzzing from an Helicopter sound…
Quiet is the best work environment, you can hear everything. I have been in situations where lawn mowing, barking dogs and intrusive music is blasting all at the same time.
I really enjoy being able to watch you without being a "helicopter". I worked in aerospace in measurement and NDI analysis laboratories. We had a wiring bundle problem (56 wires in 1 bundle)in the aircraft that the wire bundle was failing. It took microscopic analysis to find that the interconnects were not swaged in a way to eliminate all oxygen in the joins. So with the microscopic arcing, the bundle would fail. SO my hvac mentor...you are VERY correct to make sure those power cables are screwed in VERY tight.
I think you're exactly right Ted... The trouble was loose connections and time. Lucky there was enough of the whip left to draw up some good fresh wire!
Ted, you made me jump. At 9:38 you switch to hyper-speed on the playback. It made me jump because I thought you were getting jolted! It's funny now, but sure made me jump. LOL 🙂
High cycle count is inevitable if customer wants to only cool the first floor with a system that's more or less designed to run continuously for the whole home. Contactors pit out as you said over their life and heat up due to the high resistance / poor contact, (causing lower voltage after the contactor at higher amps). You can measure the voltage drop across the contactor during a load to check if you have one that's going to bad
If the ducting is done right you can prioritize zoning where both zones are sized for 1200 cfm and they alternate or modulate to ensure you have the correct cfm across the coil.
Your patience while dealing with all the customer’s stupid questions is un matched, good for you sir. I would tell them that conversation while working will run them extra!!!
If left all my vents open either heating or cooling, i would get minimal air output at furthest away vents.The vents closest to the furnace i keep partially opened to keep the airflow even...
I had a loose wire on a contactor for a 40 ton Dectron ( 3-phase). It killed 2 out of 4 condenser fan motors. They are made in Germany only and they are $5000 each motor.
Fine video, Ted as simple as a bad contactor and bad connection but maybe you should have a conversation about a, whip assembly replacement and replacing the disconnect. And Ted at least you told him things like not closing supplies. Off and tonage and variable speed inverter technology and zoning. I think for this guy considering the problems with new units and microcoils and evap coils the focus should be on setting him up for having the corect and adaquite ductwork infrastructure but he needs to be prepared when the system goes that it's time for replacement and that you went over all his options. And personally Ted I hate zoned systems. And for me for that house maybe a 4 to 5 ton inverter based system would solve his complaints and issues and get him off of the I want a zoned system nonsense as Charles showed in one of his videos what can happen if you go down that rabbit hole and the ductwork is not set up corectly. Ted I hope you are stockpiling 410 a up since it will probably take 15 years to figure out a suitable replacement although trane in conjunction with the company that makes r 466a is testing it on a Comercial roof top trane unit. As for r 22 15 years later blueon figured out r 458 a actaully works better than mo 99 and 407c and actaully runs lower pressures than even r 22 with no loss of capicity and is compatable with both poe and mineral oil and even reduces Amp draw. I know Jeff a Jeff's hvac adventures just tested blueon and is monitoring it and I have been Google searching and researching all these diferent refrigerents and let's say I don't like r 32 and I don't like r 542 b and I don't like r 554 a or c or whatever either. It's ridiculous pick one refrigerent and stick with it and don't phase out until you actaully find a suitable replacement that works better than what you have got it's that simple. And for God sakes we need a 410a replacement that lowers the pressures too and those evap coil leaks and microchannel issues will stop too just my thoughts Ted. Keep those videos coming.
Question: Does it matter where the filter dryer is placed? I see a lot of them outside by the compressor in these videos. But mine have always been inside by the coil.
Always told my guy to NEVER cut wire unless they have to, or always leave some extra for this exact reason. My luck would be this is a Sunday at 10pm call and I gotta put on a new disconnect and whip.
Your videos are great but a question not related to your work, isn’t it a code violation for the ac unit and the gas meter to be so close together like that?
Interesting failure, not your usual find but I am surprised the fuse on the air handler didn't pop so I guess that contactor kept the two voltages safely apart even though it got hot. Customer seemed to be very particular about his place and how things are kept up. He was like myself when it comes to 2 story homes and a single HVAC system, not comfortable and convinced there's a better method to HVAC a 2 story or find a single story home and be over with the clusters of rising warm air. The EPA is so concerned about emissions yet they allow 2 story homes when the smart move is a cellar below the ground floor vs. a second story above. The extra power consumed with 2 story homes alone creates more emissions or carbon dioxide. Its interesting that carbon dioxide wasn't a concern back in the 1960's/1970's when air pollution became a subject. Now that we have "pollution" under control they decided that carbon dioxide is bad and so the battle continues and at huge costs that may or may not carry any benefits.
I would have yanked out that romex, and pulled some THHN wire, or just throw in a new whip. They're cheap, and romex with that paper layer under the jacket isn't supposed to be used in wet locations. Also, stranded wire can work better in a screw terminal like that, like you said, a solid #10 wire only has a small tiny contact area, even if you super torque that contactor lug until it flattens the wire a bit. But it's an older unit, wait until it dies then replace the disconnect and whip then. Looks to me like whoever did that quick Rheem changeout, didn't even bother to replace the disconnect, to me it looks older than that condenser, but hard to say for certain without looking at it in person.
The video sped up just as you handled the low-voltage wire; made me think you got a bad jolt just then. No sign of a crispy critter, so a loose connection or corroded contacts sounds about right. With the cover on, a Georgia Bulldog couldn't have relieved itself on it.
wow, counterfeit non-copper wire? that stuff burnt and cooked a mile back. something is off there and not just the contactor/unit/other. deeper issues from far back upstream. far too new to be aluminum wire, for sure maybe plated steel/under sized, other stupidity. now I'll keep watching past 3:24
nothing like having a customer over your shoulder wanting answers before even looking into a unit
It's always nice when there's some extra wire under the contactor. I agree with the loose wire theory. I would have chalked it up to that as well. Nice repair Ted 🛠️👍
I would’ve checked at least 8 others things, but 10, now that’s a stretch 😂 good fix, love the customer interaction!!
Haha thought you were at a drive through in the thumbnail!
I just have to Agree with All the comments…Ted, you are the best in teaching us all your secrets of a Trade that is not DIY. My ears were Buzzing from an Helicopter sound…
I've been a refrigeration tech for 50 years and seen this many many times. Your theory as to what happened is spot on.
Uncle Ted!, your customer is an 🚁🚁🚁🚁🚁🚁🚁🚁🚁 🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂
Quiet is the best work environment, you can hear everything. I have been in situations where lawn mowing, barking dogs and intrusive music is blasting all at the same time.
Mr TED, You are a MASTER HVAC tech 👍👏
Wow, thanks… I try !!
Another Great job well done. No criticism here, just plain ole knowledge if outstanding work.
I really enjoy being able to watch you without being a "helicopter".
I worked in aerospace in measurement and NDI analysis laboratories. We had a wiring bundle problem (56 wires in 1 bundle)in the aircraft that the wire bundle was failing. It took microscopic analysis to find that the interconnects were not swaged in a way to eliminate all oxygen in the joins. So with the microscopic arcing, the bundle would fail. SO my hvac mentor...you are VERY correct to make sure those power cables are screwed in VERY tight.
Ted I cant say it enough but thank you for everything you do!
I love how customers think they are saving money by shutting down half their registers, and no matter what you tell them they still don't comprehend.
I think you're exactly right Ted... The trouble was loose connections and time. Lucky there was enough of the whip left to draw up some good fresh wire!
Luckily ol' Ted had some slack.
🤞😎🤞 #SlackAttack 😎👍
Do you want me to turn it off ? Hell no i want you to go into the house and shut up lol
LoL
Breaker didn't trip, so no high current. Just heat from a loose connection was my first reaction.
Ted, you made me jump. At 9:38 you switch to hyper-speed on the playback. It made me jump because I thought you were getting jolted! It's funny now, but sure made me jump. LOL 🙂
You can absolutely trust The Ted Cook👍
That's why I always pull the disconnect first before opening the condenser. I don't want the fire knocked out of me too lol
A nice easy job Ted, that power cable sure got fried up nicely 😲 Au
I loved " Stand in this puddle and hold this" . I don't know why he wouldnt?LOL!!
Thanks Ted i say Loose connections. I check mine every year also breaker panel too
Asians and Indians fit in real nice most of the time. Really can't complain -- easy going and cheerful.
Ted, you love the helicopters!
High cycle count is inevitable if customer wants to only cool the first floor with a system that's more or less designed to run continuously for the whole home. Contactors pit out as you said over their life and heat up due to the high resistance / poor contact, (causing lower voltage after the contactor at higher amps). You can measure the voltage drop across the contactor during a load to check if you have one that's going to bad
Another great video and another satisfied customer.
Waiting for the super techs to chime in from their mothers basement.
Your a genius. It would of taken any other tech 8 hours to fix that problem!
When you pulled the cover off I saw the burnt mark on the cover
If the ducting is done right you can prioritize zoning where both zones are sized for 1200 cfm and they alternate or modulate to ensure you have the correct cfm across the coil.
Your patience while dealing with all the customer’s stupid questions is un matched, good for you sir. I would tell them that conversation while working will run them extra!!!
Absolutely agree with you bottom line connection were likely loose
If left all my vents open either heating or cooling, i would get minimal air output at furthest away vents.The vents closest to the furnace i keep partially opened to keep the airflow even...
What is changing next year regarding single stage zone systems?
But you are correct you can't shut register off.. and it looks more like a lighting bolt hit
Steve Lav would be Singing She's A Crusty One Mr. GRINCH.
lol I bet the whole time you were just wishing the customer would just leave you alone
I use a bucket with lid allows me to sit or gain a foot or so when doing jobs.
Is that a 14-2 wire coming in? I dont see the 2nd hot wire... see a black white and ground...
Ted found that contactor Cooked.
Did he ask for a discount ???😂
I had a loose wire on a contactor for a 40 ton Dectron ( 3-phase). It killed 2 out of 4 condenser fan motors. They are made in Germany only and they are $5000 each motor.
Where are your gloves young man. Dang!!!! 👍
Great work
Fine video, Ted as simple as a bad contactor and bad connection but maybe you should have a conversation about a, whip assembly replacement and replacing the disconnect. And Ted at least you told him things like not closing supplies. Off and tonage and variable speed inverter technology and zoning.
I think for this guy considering the problems with new units and microcoils and evap coils the focus should be on setting him up for having the corect and adaquite ductwork infrastructure but he needs to be prepared when the system goes that it's time for replacement and that you went over all his options.
And personally Ted I hate zoned systems. And for me for that house maybe a 4 to 5 ton inverter based system would solve his complaints and issues and get him off of the I want a zoned system nonsense as Charles showed in one of his videos what can happen if you go down that rabbit hole and the ductwork is not set up corectly.
Ted I hope you are stockpiling 410 a up since it will probably take 15 years to figure out a suitable replacement although trane in conjunction with the company that makes r 466a is testing it on a Comercial roof top trane unit.
As for r 22 15 years later blueon figured out r 458 a actaully works better than mo 99 and 407c and actaully runs lower pressures than even r 22 with no loss of capicity and is compatable with both poe and mineral oil and even reduces Amp draw. I know Jeff a Jeff's hvac adventures just tested blueon and is monitoring it and I have been Google searching and researching all these diferent refrigerents and let's say I don't like r 32 and I don't like r 542 b and I don't like r 554 a or c or whatever either.
It's ridiculous pick one refrigerent and stick with it and don't phase out until you actaully find a suitable replacement that works better than what you have got it's that simple. And for God sakes we need a 410a replacement that lowers the pressures too and those evap coil leaks and microchannel issues will stop too just my thoughts Ted.
Keep those videos coming.
Lol. Grab the wire in one hand and hold the voltage detector in the other. Great party trick
The Egyptian Magician
Did you saw the back of the cover inside ted? I saw big burnt marks on it. Watch it again you’ll catch it.
When you say things are gonna change next year it sounded ominous,, what does that mean,, what's gonna change ???
Question: Does it matter where the filter dryer is placed? I see a lot of them outside by the compressor in these videos. But mine have always been inside by the coil.
Typical I squared R induced blowout. Probably made a pretty good bang when it finally failed.
I'm going to guess power surge, but I'll defer to the expert for the final assessment.
Gotta love a babysitting customer
Good work, but did you torque the connections?
wow ted another helicopter you have alot of them down in SC
I'll go with loose connection ... Thx
"Working good until it quit." - Yup.
Why in the world do they mount the contactor so low
Always told my guy to NEVER cut wire unless they have to, or always leave some extra for this exact reason. My luck would be this is a Sunday at 10pm call and I gotta put on a new disconnect and whip.
Was that Lighning Damage?
You’re the BEST!!!
Man I hate helicopter customers
Your videos are great but a question not related to your work, isn’t it a code violation for the ac unit and the gas meter to be so close together like that?
Imagine giving directions to the house “yeah it’s the White House with black shutters third one on the right”
Interesting failure, not your usual find but I am surprised the fuse on the air handler didn't pop so I guess that contactor kept the two voltages safely apart even though it got hot.
Customer seemed to be very particular about his place and how things are kept up. He was like myself when it comes to 2 story homes and a single HVAC system, not comfortable and convinced there's a better method to HVAC a 2 story or find a single story home and be over with the clusters of rising warm air.
The EPA is so concerned about emissions yet they allow 2 story homes when the smart move is a cellar below the ground floor vs. a second story above. The extra power consumed with 2 story homes alone creates more emissions or carbon dioxide. Its interesting that carbon dioxide wasn't a concern back in the 1960's/1970's when air pollution became a subject. Now that we have "pollution" under control they decided that carbon dioxide is bad and so the battle continues and at huge costs that may or may not carry any benefits.
I would have yanked out that romex, and pulled some THHN wire, or just throw in a new whip. They're cheap, and romex with that paper layer under the jacket isn't supposed to be used in wet locations. Also, stranded wire can work better in a screw terminal like that, like you said, a solid #10 wire only has a small tiny contact area, even if you super torque that contactor lug until it flattens the wire a bit. But it's an older unit, wait until it dies then replace the disconnect and whip then. Looks to me like whoever did that quick Rheem changeout, didn't even bother to replace the disconnect, to me it looks older than that condenser, but hard to say for certain without looking at it in person.
Well that was hilarious 😂 thanks
NM cable in conduit, not the way it should be done. THHN minimum, THWN would be a better choice with all the moisture I see there.
romex in the whip, instead of THWN, or UF and there's corrosion and a fire, im shocked....
9 times out of 10 there was a loose wire creating a bad connection. Only that can cause some damage sometimes
Sometimes they give a code that used to work, but someone else changed it lol.
Two code violations. You cannot pull romex in seal tight. You must use #12 thw or thhn solid wire and you can’t use white for a hot leg.
Homeowner never gives us the gate codes lol
blowed itself up. blowed itself up.
I would of sold him a new whole system 😂, full change out 💰 half a days work and go on vacation
could that have been a lighting strike
Regularly 150 an hour if you’re watching 200 an hour
Major 🚁🚁🚁
It is way more fun to play with live wires.
The video sped up just as you handled the low-voltage wire; made me think you got a bad jolt just then. No sign of a crispy critter, so a loose connection or corroded contacts sounds about right. With the cover on, a Georgia Bulldog couldn't have relieved itself on it.
Super Tech here.
You didn't do that right!
I thought you might have to scrape out another snake out of there...
wow, counterfeit non-copper wire? that stuff burnt and cooked a mile back. something is off there and not just the contactor/unit/other. deeper issues from far back upstream.
far too new to be aluminum wire, for sure maybe plated steel/under sized, other stupidity. now I'll keep watching past 3:24
That guy doesn't understand about zoning and the cost of things to come
The goat
Blah blah blah..... LOL Always a great watch...........
Thought Rheem was a good unit
Extreme helicopter. Nice job dealing with him.
"it's locked/security" that just so enough noise is made/alarms go off to allow extermination of the rodents.....
👍🏻👍🏻
Helicopter......
Hindu helicopter..
Can I say helicopter?
Indian helicopter
That customer was annoying
I hear the choppers hoverin, they’re hoverin overhead…….
The dude is hanging out so he can fix it himself next time because the dude is cheap and annoying
The helicopter 🚁 interesting
Cowboys!
Gotta love gated cult..... 'communities'