Refrigeration and air conditioning FAQ
At Danfoss, we have a variety of products, services, and content. This naturally generates a lot of questions. In this section, you can find tips, tricks, and advice that answer commonly asked refrigeration and air conditioning questions.
Appliance Controls
Yes. The specific replacement thermostat code number will appear at the bottom of the thermostat on the opposite side of the regulation knob.
For an ETC controller, there is no wholesale option. In that case, please contact the OEM for the specific equipment the ETC controller is installed on.
Compressors for refrigeration, A/C and heating
Unusual noises from a compressor are often due to mechanical defects caused by wear, lack of sufficient lubrication, dirt and debris in the oil, or issues with the refrigerant.
While hermetic compressors must be replaced, it may be possible to repair open or semi-hermetic compressors.
MT compressors are rated for R22 and come with mineral oil. However, MTZ compressors are rated for R-134a, R-404a, and R-407A/C/F and come with POE oil. Therefore, MTZ compressors, as shipped, are not appropriate replacements for MT compressors. If you are willing to replace the oil in a specific MT/Z model compressor, then you could convert an MT model into an MTZ and vice versa.
SM compressors are rated for R22 and come with mineral oil. However, SZ compressors are rated for R-134a, R-404a/R-507A, and R-407C and come with POE oil. Therefore, SZ compressors, as shipped, are not appropriate replacements for SM compressors. If you are willing to replace the oil in a specific SM or SZ model compressor, then you could convert an SM model into an SZ and vice versa.
No, the SZ model compressor, as shipped from the factory, is not rated for R22. If you want to use R22 in an SZ model compressor, you need to change the POE oil in the compressor to mineral oil—essentially creating an SM model series compressor by the oil change.
Yes, there is no mechanical difference between the compressors. The only difference is the oil they are shipped with.
That depends on the reset method, refrigerant, and, to a certain degree, the pressure ranges. Look first at the KP 15 and KP 17 pressure switches, but be aware that there are other types available, depending on your requirements. Please follow the link to the Danfoss Store below to find the best dual pressure switch for your system.
Yes, but only for troubleshooting or testing. Otherwise, you miss out on using speed control, which grants you the capacity control the frequency converter offers.
For more information about the variable speed controls and their benefits, please follow the link below.
No, Danfoss does not sell screw compressors. However, Danfoss offers a wide range of hermetic reciprocating and scroll compressors.
No, it is not included. The crankcase heater can be purchased as an accessory.
Please follow the link, where you can find more information about Danfoss condensing units.
Please be aware that the local available range of condensing units may vary from country to country. If you are in doubt, please contact your local Danfoss sales representative.
Contactors and motor starters
Danfoss Drives makes a range of both contactors and soft starters. Please follow the link below to get an overview of the available types.
Please contact your local Danfoss dealer for additional details and to place an order.
Electronic Controls
Please contact the OEM for an ERC controller model replacement, unless you are looking specifically for the ERC 213. The ERC controllers are set up specifically for each cooler/freezer by the manufacturer.
Please visit the online Danfoss Store to get an overview of our controller possibilities. Our free Coolselector®2 software can also provide help with selecting the right controller.
Danfoss has many electronic control systems for refrigeration systems of all sizes. Download our free Coolselector®2 software to enter in your specific needs and see which controllers are the best fit.
You can download the software HERE, or you can go to the Danfoss Commercial Refrigeration website and discover the many possibilities HERE
The AK-SD 225D has been discontinued.
Please contact your local Danfoss Cooling Support to hear about newer products. You can also download our free Coolselector®2 software to specify your need for controls and see which controls will be the best fit.
You can download Coolselector®2 here
Or you can go to the Danfoss Commercial Refrigeration website to see all of our controller options
Danfoss has a wide range of controller options available for many store formats and applications. Please visit the online Danfoss Store to get an which controllers will best suit your needs.
Our free Coolselector®2 software can also help you match the ideal controller to your specifics needs.
The Danfoss AK-PC 551 controller is just one of a wide range of Danfoss Pack Controllers.
Please have a look at our Pack Controller catalog here
Our free Coolselector®2 software can also help you match the ideal controller to your specifics needs.
Yes, you can inhibit the alarms on the EKE 347. However, it depends on whether the alarm is connected to the NC or NO output, terminals 25 - 27 and 30 - 32.
Please see our Danfoss superheat controllers: the EKC, EKD, EKE, and the EXD 316.
Also Coolselector®2 can help you select the right controller for your specific need. You can download it for free at coolselector.danfoss.com.
That depends on the fan motors and the number of fans (in case they are connected in parallel).
Please have a look at the following two links:
No. The Danfoss Variable Speed controller, the inverter, is maintenance- free. However, we recommend that you keep the ventilator near the rear of the inverter free of obstructions.
Warning: Do not change the programming of the inverter as you can damage it.
Danfoss Drives has several types of frequency converters available, including a series for fan and pump speed controls, the VLT FC 102, and the compressor drive, the VLT FC 103.
The drives' programming is described in the included manuals. The manuals can also be downloaded from the Danfoss Drives website.
You will need to use our MCXDesign software. Please obtain a login from our MCX website to download the software.
For more information about MCXDesign, please click here
To request access and download the MCXDesign software and manuals please click here
Filter driers and strainers
Danfoss makes a wide range of filter drier types, capacities, and sizes for several applications.
DM-types are intended for filtering and removing moisture only.
DC-types also include alumina for removing acid formations and are ideal for service replacement in running systems.
Software
Yes. Please download Coolselector®2, our official selection tool that can be found at coolselector.danfoss.com.
Danfoss also offers an app to help you find spare parts and repair kits for industrial refrigeration components: The Spare Parts app. The app also includes a few spare parts and kits for commercial components.
Switches
That depends on the reset method, refrigerant, and, to a certain degree, the pressure ranges. Look first at the KP 15 and KP 17 pressure switches, but be aware that there are other types available, depending on your requirements.
Valves
You can use our troubleshooting tool, HVACR Service Tool, to figure out what is causing the malfunction in the AKV valve.
Danfoss makes a wide variety of AKV pulsating expansion valves for use in systems up to 660 kW / 188 TR (R407C 4.4°C / 40°F).
That depends on the desired function, e.g., if other valves will be installed and which types or if the valves should work in parallel or serial.
1: De-energize the solenoid coil
2: Remove the nut on top, if one is present
3: Use a screwdriver to pry up the u-clip, if one is present
4: Remove the coil by lifting straight up on the coil while holding the valve in place
Yes, you can. However, an open valve will provide the refrigerant with a direct path to the atmosphere. So, the refrigerant must be recovered before starting this process.
Look at the bottom of the valve. There, you will see a nut. On the head of the nut, you can find the orifice size and Danfoss part numbers.
1: Remove the cap with a 5/32-inch hex key.
2: Make super heat adjustments one turn at a time (1 turn = 3 K / 5.4 °F).
Turning counter-clockwise decreases superheat.
Most A9 alarms are due to improper installation. Please check the following:
1. Make sure the ICAD motor is centered on the valve stem. You can do this by adjusting the set screws at the base of the motor.
2. Check that an O-ring has been installed at the base of the ICM valve stem and is in good condition.
3. Apply plenty of grease to the O-ring and the magnets in the ICAD actuator. The grease provides a moisture barrier on the O-ring, and greasing the magnet inside removes air gaps found between the beveled edges of each magnet.
An SVL valve's identification information can be found on the ID ring. The ID ring can be found at the base of the stem.
You can also use our free Coolselector®2 software to identify and select the correct SVL valve for the system you are workign on. You can download Coolselector®2 here
Danfoss often has 3 versions of a spare parts kit for our valves, although not for every kind. The three types are:
Inspection Kits, which include gaskets and o-rings
Repair Kits, which include all parts found in the inspection kit, plus the packing gland (not available for a check valve and strainer)
Overhaul Kits, which include all parts in the repair kit, plus any parts that could be damaged or worn due to normal use
Our Industrial Refrigeration app can help you find the right spare part kit for your situation. Download it here.