If a starting relay does not disconnect the power from the compressor start winding, the compressor will keep running on its start winding until it overheats and the overload protector shuts off the power (within four seconds). Once the compressor cools, the contacts within the overload protector close, causing the compressor to restart at short intervals. If short-cycling (cycling on overload) continues, the compressor start winding may overheat and burn. If the contacts within the starting relay don’t close, the start winding will not become energized and the compressor will never start. In either case, the starting relay will have to be replaced.
