A technician measures 12°F of superheat on a fixed-orifice R-22 system but the manufacturer's chart calls for 20°F at those conditions. What does the low superheat suggest?
a.The metering device must be a TXV
b.The system is likely overcharged
c.There is a restriction in the liquid line
d.The system is undercharged
Explanation
On a fixed-orifice system, superheat lower than the target usually indicates an overcharge, because too much refrigerant floods the evaporator and less of it boils off. To correct it, the technician recovers a small amount and rechecks superheat against the chart. High superheat, by contrast, typically points to an undercharge or restriction.
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