When checking the resistance of the compressor start winding, a reading of OL on the multimeter indicates what?

• A. The winding is open
• B. The winding is shorted
• C. The winding has normal resistance
• D. The winding is burned out

Answer: (A)

OL on a resistance readout means no current can flow through the winding—an open circuit. For the compressor start winding, this indicates a break or disconnected path somewhere in that winding, so the start winding cannot energize. Because the start winding needs to provide a high starting current to get the motor turning, an open winding will prevent the compressor from starting. In contrast, a normal winding shows a finite resistance within the expected spec for that motor; a shorted winding would read very low resistance, and a burned-out winding often presents as an open circuit as well, but OL specifically points to an open path in the winding.