Freezing liquid lines

> I've heard of it, but never have seen it until this week.
> Last week, a walk in freezer low on gas had over an inch of ice on the
> liquid line and non on the suction, 9 degrees outside box was 49F
> This week, homeowner called and said water all over the floor of his
> basement. I go over there and the air conditioners liquid line has over 1
> inch on it about five feet from the outside wall, and over two inch's
> outside. Now this is interesting...........

> Will a TXV take care of this problem or do I need to install a solenoid
> valve? I wonder how much energy is lost in a years time with this
> transfer of heat from a forced air unit to the condenser? But what is
> confusing, 3/8 inch liquid line acting like a cap tube? You would not
> think there would be a pressure difference in such large lines on the
> outlet of a condenser. Hmm, wonder if they soldiered the line almost
> closed when they installed this, the entire installation is a mess as it
> is.
> Rich
>

> When I specced some commercial equipment a year or so ago,
> they suggested a "headmaster". Which is sure to get some laughs
> on this forum (Stormy getting head?).

> Dear Rich,
> With the temp being 9 degrees outside, it seems like your sub
> cooling is a bit much. I presume your condensing units are
> outdoors?
> When I specced some commercial equipment a year or so ago,
> they suggested a "headmaster". Which is sure to get some laughs
> on this forum (Stormy getting head?). Essentially what it was, a
> temp controlled switch that turns the condensor fan on and off.
> When it's this seriously cold outside, it's possible for the
> refrigerant to come through the liquid line at, well, 9F. Since
> that's the outdoor temp. If the liquid line is too cold, the
> liquid refrigerant isn't under enough pressure to properly
> vaporize. So, it kinda lays there.

> And it may have the other problems like solder blockage. But
> since it was Ok a few months ago, maybe it's the outdoor cold.
> And, a super low outdoor temp may be faking you out, to think
> it's low charge.
> --
> Christopher A. Young
> You can't shout down a troll.
> You have to starve them.
> .
> : I've heard of it, but never have seen it until this week.
> :
> : Last week, a walk in freezer low on gas had over an inch of ice
> on the
> : liquid line and non on the suction, 9 degrees outside box was
> 49F
> :
> : This week, homeowner called and said water all over the floor
> of his
> : basement. I go over there and the air conditioners liquid line
> has over 1
> : inch on it about five feet from the outside wall, and over two
> inch's
> : outside. Now this is interesting........... Oh, the unit
> wasn't running.
> :
> : Will a TXV take care of this problem or do I need to install a
> solenoid
> : valve? I wonder how much energy is lost in a years time with
> this transfer
> : of heat from a forced air unit to the condenser? But what is
> confusing, 3/8
> : inch liquid line acting like a cap tube? You would not think
> there would be
> : a pressure difference in such large lines on the outlet of a
> condenser.
> : Hmm, wonder if they soldiered the line almost closed when they
> installed
> : this, the entire installation is a mess as it is.
> :
> : Rich
> :
> :
>