Testing RLA's

[Dom D'Agostino]

Measuring and reporting the RLA is not the same as calling for an evaluation.

In our area, A/C is a huge issue. If we report the condition and document the facts, then the A/C contractor can't tell the new owner " your home inspector should have told you xyz was bad."

If you measure all the A/C's you encounter during the day, you will soon learn what is "normal" and what is not "normal" for each size range and type of unit. In Florida, every house has central A/C, so you get proficient quickly.

Measure the draw, report it, (good or bad, it's just data), and if it's too high (exceeds the mfr. data plate for example) call it out for repairs.

It is a liability control for A/C inspections.

Dom.

[Justin Watts]

RLA..... way to specialized for me....

[Charley L. Bottger]

Originally Posted by Dom D'Agostino

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Measure the draw, report it, (good or bad, it's just data), and if it's too high (exceeds the mfr. data plate for example) call it out for repairs.

It is a liability control for A/C inspections.

Dom.

Just curious have you ever found a unit that exceeded its name data for amperage draw.

[Brian E. Kelly]

Originally Posted by jwatts1

RLA..... way to specialized for me....

Me too Justin. Next we will be measuring furnace BTU's in actual operating conditions.

[Dom D'Agostino]

Just curious have you ever found a unit that exceeded its name data for amperage draw.

Yes, many have had high readings. Typically older, or otherwise "challanged" units. Feedback from clients has been that the system needed expensive repairs or, sometimes, replacement.

Dom.

[Richard Luciano]

RLA is Rated Load Amps not Running Load Amps. RLA is not used to determine if the compressor is running correctly.RLA is a rating point that manufactures use to help guide you in selecting a contactor for a compressor.The running amps of a compressor are determined by the evaporator temperature, condensing temperature and the line voltage."Running Amps" vary depending on conditons or load, never confuse with "RLA", for the various amp ratings view a compressor curve sheet"

[KEVIN WOOD]

I completely agree with Anderson.
Think of the air conditioning as being a car without oil. Will it use more fuel or seize right up.
The fact of checking the oil is the job of all gas station attendants when asked. Is this in their standards of practice? No!
To test the RLA without being a HVAC tech is no different.
You will only receive a call from your local AHJ.
If you are an HVAC tech do this as a side option to your business. This way you will not confuse the public as to what should be done on a home inspection.