Where should a temperature sensor be installed to accurately calculate subcooling?

To accurately calculate subcooling in a refrigeration system, the temperature sensor should be installed approximately 3 inches from the condenser on the liquid line. This location is critical because subcooling refers to the process of cooling the refrigerant below its condensing temperature after it has changed from vapor to liquid in the condenser.

Placing the sensor near the condenser allows for an accurate measurement of the temperature of the liquid refrigerant as it exits the condenser. This is essential for determining the effectiveness of the condensing process and ensuring that the refrigerant is adequately cooled before it enters the expansion valve.

If the sensor is positioned too far from the condenser, the temperature reading may be affected by various factors, such as ambient temperature or heat transfer along the refrigerant line, leading to inaccurate calculations of subcooling. This precision is necessary for optimal system performance and efficiency, particularly in preventing issues like liquid refrigerant entering the compressor.