Compressor for central ac in amp?

[boyet516]

Im just curious if my central ac is normal, I have 3.5 ton central ac byTRANE.

according to my tester(Ideal brand)...Im getting a reading of 3amp in one of the leg(orange wire) of the compressor ,6 amp in red wire & 9-10 amp of the black w/stripe wire), is this normal reading? should it be all equal in amp on 3 wires of the compressor?

Is there other way of testing if I have enough freon on this ac w/o using the pressure gauge(cause I dont have on)? the only things I have is amp tester, temperature gauge. thx in advance

[Grady]

Something is not right with the either where you are checking or your compressor. The common & run wires should give the same amp reading. Even the 9-10 sounds low for a 3.5 ton unit. Check amperage on the two main wires feeding the contactor. They should be the same +/- a tenth or two. The large copper line should be cold & wet while the small one should be warm.

[boyet516]

the supply lines are 14 amps for each wire.

one line goes to the contactor w/a reading of 14 amps & becomes 10 amp after the magnetic contact & this is wired back to the compressor.(note: the wire is a little thicker(could be the insulation or the copper wire- would this be the reason why the amp is lower than the feed?)

the other line is tied in to the contactor w/a screw(pigtail) & im get a reading of 12.5 amp & wired back to the compressor.(note:same thing thick wire or insulation)

the bigger copper line is wet but not too cold, while the little one is barely warm almost none.

the contacts look ok ,except for a little discoloration.

note: the ac is cooling but how cold it should come out from the vents?

[Grady]

It sounds like the amp readings are low for that size unit, but maybe not depending on load (how hot it is indoors & out). Generally we are looking for 15-20º difference between supply & return. You might be low on refrigerant but only a tech, certified by EPA to handle refrigerants, can tell for sure.