What action indicates that a compressor winding is faulty?

A reading of infinite ohms indicates that there is an open circuit within the compressor winding, which is a clear sign of a fault. When a winding is functioning properly, it will exhibit a specific resistance value within a certain range. If the reading shows infinite resistance, it means that electrical current cannot flow through the winding at all, suggesting a break or damage in the coil.

In contrast, significantly high readings above 31 ohms could potentially indicate an issue, but not definitively, as different compressors may have varying resistance specifications. Similarly, readings significantly below 31 ohms or at 0 ohms suggest a short circuit, where the winding might be too low in resistance, leading to excessive current flow which can cause overheating or further damage.

Thus, an infinite resistance reading is the most definitive indicator that the compressor winding is faulty and should be investigated further.