The compressor used in a water-cooled air conditioning system is short-cycling. A service check determines that the suction pressure remains above the normal cut-in point during cycling and that the discharge pressure rapidly builds up to the cut-out point while running and gradually falls to the cut-in point during the off cycle. What is likely the cause?

Question

Accepted Answer

Option D: reduction in condenser water flow (scaled condenser). A scaled or fouled condenser restricts heat rejection, causing rapid head pressure spikes that trip the high-pressure cutout. As the compressor stops, residual cooling allows pressure to slowly fall back to the cut-in point, resulting in classic short-cycling behavior.