Once you have identified the compressor, you can follow these steps to determine the terminals:
Step 1: Locate the compressor terminals. Most AC compressors have three terminals: a common terminal (C), a start terminal (S), and a run terminal (R). The terminals may be labeled on the compressor itself, or you may need to refer to the unit's wiring diagram to find their locations.
Step 2: Locate the fan terminal. Some compressors also have a fourth terminal for the fan. This terminal is typically labeled "F" or "Fan."
Step 3: Identify the wires that are connected to the terminals. The wires that are connected to the terminals will typically be color-coded. The following are the most common colors for compressor terminals:
- Common (C): Usually black
- Start (S): Usually white
- Run (R): Usually red
- Fan (F): Usually yellow or blue.
Once you have identified the wires that are connected to the terminals, you can use a multimeter to test the voltage between the terminals. This will help you to verify that the compressor is receiving power and that the terminals are connected correctly.
If you are not comfortable testing the voltage yourself, it is best to contact a qualified HVAC technician to help you determine the terminals on your home AC unit compressor.
