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2
 Basic Electrical Wiring and Components in HVAC Systems
Dec 29, 2022 | News

 A fully functional HVAC system helps millions of people stay

comfortable in their homes all year round. But these systems, no
 matter how simple or complex, typically rely on a series of
 components and electrical wiring. With proper HVAC training,
you can understand and fix these vital components, helping
people enjoy a nice indoor environment regardless of the
weather. Let’s explore the main HVAC components you’d come
across as a technician.

Table of Contents
1. Main Parts of HVAC Systems
2. Electrical Components of Air Conditioning System
2.1. Capacitor
2.2. Contactors
2.3. Relays
2.4. Fan Motor
2.5. Crankcase Heater
2.6. Thermostat
2.7. Pressure Switches
3. Want to become an HVAC Technician?
4. What Electrical Symbols Mean
5. Air Conditioning Repair Techniques
6. Request Information about HVAC Programs

2
 Main Parts of HVAC Systems
A typical HVAC system is composed of three main parts:
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Most systems will use
a furnace or boiler for residential purposes. The furnace or boiler
will heat circulated air that will later be distributed throughout
the home.

 Next, the ventilation system will move the heated or cooled air in
or out of the home. An air handler can push air into the system

and distribute it around the home through air ducts. Somewhere
 along the ventilation system should be an air purification system
that helps reduce allergens or air contaminants.

The third main component of an HVAC system is the air

conditioning (AC) system. This part is responsible for cooling
the air inside a home. To cool air, the AC system will use
condensing units and evaporator coils to remove heat from the
air by running it through a cold fluid. Then the air is allowed to
make its way to internal circulation.

2
 Electrical Components of Air
Conditioning System
Capacitor
This component stores and absorbs electrical energy from the
main supply. The capacitors will maintain a constant power
supply to run efficiently and start and run fans when needed. A
 capacitor unit has a starting capacitor, which powers up the
motor for cooling cycles, and a running capacitor, which keeps

the motor going at a steady pace.

Contactors
This component will control the electricity flow in the AC system.
One of its main functions is cutting off the power or supplying it
whenever needed. When the cooling system is off, the contractor
will maintain an ‘up’ position to cut off power. As soon as cycling
begins, the thermostat will signal to the contractor, causing it to
hit the ‘down’ position and allowing power to flow.

Relays
This component dictates the amount of time between the
opening and closing of the electrical circuits, allowing the flow of
current in the AC system. Time delays let the blower motor
continuously run, despite the compressor being off. As the
motor continuously runs, it will use the cooling effect on the
evaporator, which produces additional chilled air and improves
efficiency.

Fan Motor
This component is what moves air in and out of the home. As
the fan runs, it circulates air within rooms, helping maintain
temperatures, humidity levels, and air quality. The fan motor has
overload protection within its windings that helps prevent
significant overheating damage.

Crankcase Heater 2
The crankcase heater is an electric resistance heater connected
to the AC’s main supply. This component may be operational
even when the system is off. The crankcase heater keeps the
refrigerant at a temperature that is slightly higher than the
 coldest part of the system. It also prevents the refrigerant from
making its way back into the condenser.

Thermostat
Just about everyone is familiar with the functions of the
thermostat. It monitors and controls indoor temperatures. When
the indoor temperature drops below the set temperature, the
thermostat contacts will close, which causes the contactors to
 signal the compressor to turn on. Once the set temperature is
reached, the thermostat contacts open, shutting down the
 compressor.

 Pressure Switches
Pressure switches act as a safety component, monitoring
variations in refrigeration pressure and protecting the
compressor from significantly low or high pressures. High
pressure can induce overheating, and low pressure can cause
mechanical damage. If the pressure change is sudden, the
switches will tell the contractor, which turns off the compressor.

Want to become an HVAC

Technician?
Learn from professionals who are experts in their
fields

Request Program Info! 5

2
 What Electrical Symbols Mean
The overload symbol—in an overload condition, this safety
switch will pop open.
The transformer symbol—shows the primary and secondary
winding and indications of a ferrous core.
The round symbol—is used for coil and for motors
 The thermostat symbol—indicates the switch will open and
close due to temperature changes.



Air Conditioning Repair Techniques
1. Check for a tripped fuse in the breaker.
2. Inspect the thermostat to see if it’s in the on or off position.
Check the temperature setting. Is it possible the thermostat just
needs new batteries?
3. Check the air filter and change if necessary. This should
improve efficiency and airflow.
4. Look for ice in the unit. If so, set the system to fan so the ice
can melt, or turn the unit off and allow the ice to melt.
5. Are the ducts and registers dirty? Clean them out so that air
can flow freely. And check that the registers are clear and open.

Request Information about HVAC

Programs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), HVAC
technicians are expected to add over 40,000 positions annually
over the next decade. That means those with the right training
and education can start a career in an in-demand profession.

Does a career as an HVAC technician seem like the right fit for
you? Then you should get started with an HVAC training program
at a school near you. At Erie Institute of Technology, we offer an
HVAC/R Technician program that you can complete in as little 2
as one year. Gain hands-on experience and knowledge of HVAC
components and repair that’ll help you stand apart. Learn more
about the program today.

Ross Aresco
 CFO
Ross Aresco is the CFO of Erie Institute of Technology. Erie

Institute of Technology (EIT) is an Erie Pennsylvania
technical/trade school providing training programs for medical,
computer, electronics, manufacturing, and technology careers.
EIT offers programs in many different areas to suit your interests
and talents.


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