Amperage (RLA & LRA)

Amperage in HVAC terms usually refers to Rated Load Amps (RLA) and Locked Rotor Amps (LRA), which indicate the electrical current draw of the compressor. RLA represents the typical current the compressor draws while running under normal conditions, while LRA is the high "startup" surge required to get the motor spinning. When installing Commercial Packaged Units, knowing these values is essential for choosing the correct wire size and circuit breaker. High LRA can sometimes cause lights to flicker, which is why many homeowners add a "soft start" or Hard Start Kit to their systems. Our ACIq and MrCool inverter-driven systems manage these surges much more efficiently than traditional single-stage units. Checking the data plate for amperage ensures that your electrical panel can handle the load of a new Mobile Home Complete System. Proper electrical balancing prevents premature wear on the Control Boards and other sensitive electronics within the unit.