If a refrigeration compressor were short cycling on the low-pressure cutout switch, what is the most probable cause?

Correct Answer: Option A — the expansion valve strainers were fouled

Fouled expansion valve strainers severely restrict liquid refrigerant flow into the evaporator, causing a sudden drop in suction pressure that trips the low-pressure cutout switch. Once the compressor stops, suction pressure equalizes, allowing the switch to reset and cause repeated short cycling.