Air Conditioner Shuts Down

[t109a60]

I've seen several postings on A/C issues but none that fit my current situation.

I have an older Cruisair unit that has been retrofitted with Coastal FX-1 digital control. Most of the time the unit works fine, both in heating and cooling modes. However, the entire unit sometimes shuts down unpredictably, as if it had lost power. I have not been able to corelate this to any other issue (abnormal current load, tripped breaker, etc.). When this occurs, a power down and then back up at the breaker resolves the issue (seemingly resetting the control electronics somehow). The breaker is not tripping when this occurs.

Does anyone have any insight into what this could be?

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I have 4 FX1's and this has never occurred. Is it just on one unit? Have you called the tech support at Coastal? They seem eager to help out.

 

[spcoolin]

I've seen several postings on A/C issues but none that fit my current situation.

I have an older Cruisair unit that has been retrofitted with Coastal FX-1 digital control. Most of the time the unit works fine, both in heating and cooling modes. However, the entire unit sometimes shuts down unpredictably, as if it had lost power. I have not been able to corelate this to any other issue (abnormal current load, tripped breaker, etc.). When this occurs, a power down and then back up at the breaker resolves the issue (seemingly resetting the control electronics somehow). The breaker is not tripping when this occurs.

Does anyone have any insight into what this could be?

If you are saying the control display is blank & won't light up when this occurs...I might actually test voltage with a meter at the breaker before re-setting...Some breakers may not show tripped when they do...Also if it's a double pole breaker, It may only be tripping one leg & therefore won't show tripped.

Otherwise...These controls are microprocessor based, and like a computer or a cable box, they sometimes may lock up and need a re-boot...Though it is very rare in my experience with Cruisair & Marine Air controls, the FX1 is one of Marine Air's older designs (actually made by Micro Air) which is a slower design in my opinion.

Steve~

 

[fissioneng]

So, do you have a blank display, or are some error codes showing up? Is your unit wired for high and low pressure cutoff switches? If so, when one actuates, the display will show it.

I agree with Steve, make sure the breaker really is not tripping.

Does the pump run okay for other units? Have you checked pump water flow and intake strainer? A little early for jellyfish. Sea grass?

I agree with Sky, call Coastal Climate Control.

 

[t109a60]

Thanks to all for the quick responses.

To answer a couple of questions;
- when this occurs, the display is blank (no error codes, no illuminated LEDs)
- water flow is good (prior to shutdown)
- heat or A/C functions well, no obvious issues (frozen lines, noisy compressor, etc.) @ main unit
- current draw is 'normal'

Next time this occurs I will check voltage at 'untripped' breaker (it is a double pole). If that checks out OK, I will consult Coastal.

again thanks to all,
Ken

 

[spcoolin]

The reason I don't mention Fault codes is the FX1 is a retrofit control...It would depend on the installer to connect fault code protection, and how much of it he decides to utilize...

Depending on installers knowledge, accessibility, price quote, available wires, etc...

The protections could be bypassed in the FX1 (jumped) or not even activated in the programming (off the top of my head I don't remember which is an option and would have to look it up since I don't deal with them much)

The original units may only be protected by their original design which was automatic reset line voltage pressure switches...Although it's good to do so...They do not have to be connected to the FX1 for it all to operate, and therefore he may not get any fault codes....The system will just be protected as it always was.

Many times when I do a SMX retrofit...If the original unit did/does not have a low pressure switch...which is standard in the industry for manual control units (although the original Hatteras units were ordered & installed with both) we would only utilize the high pressure protection because the customer didn't want to pay the extra for adding a low pressure control & the associated wiring.

Steve~

 

[67hat34c]

Possibly a thermal switch on the condensing unit.

 

[spcoolin]

The thermal overload is the last compressor protection in-line...It is also auto reset, and will have no bearing on the FX1 display or power because it is After the control.

Usually when one of these controls blank out with no display at all...It is a no power to the control issue...Power goes to the control first, It then sends power out to what ever is being called for...No power...No Display.

Steve~