I have a Supco RCO410 3n1 device. It is rated for 1/4 to 1/3hp compressors. I don't see a HP rating for the compressor. Is this device safe to use without finding out the actual compressor horsepower? This is for a domestic refrigerator. The also make the RCO810 rated for 1/12 to 1/5hp compressors. I'm not sure what the typical compressor size is for a domestic refrigerator.

I believe it is 5 years plus. What is the normal compressor warranty on a new refrigerator? I'm thinking it is only 1 year for all other parts. In my area, everyone uses 3 n 1 devices because it is hard to stock that many start relays. One of the biggest appliance repair companies in my area says they prefer using these devices. The fail rate is far less. I have used SPP6 hard start kits for years in lieu of potential relays and start capacitors with extremely good luck on air conditioning units. I have never seen one fail (I have seen kick start types fail). We did put factory hard start kits on new units, however. This was units under a few years old, or when hard starts are needed because of a TXV application.

Thank you for your help.

I think v2k04 provided a very good answer. As far as warranty, manufacturers typically provide 5 years on the sealed system which includes the compressor, although things are changing and mfgs are cutting down on their warranty coverage.

It depends on the compressor but a 3 n 1 was designed for a compressor that is getting hard to start. Not as an OEM replacement.These new compressors some of them draw under an amp. You put one of those on there and you're gonna make the compressor work harder and short live it. Check the amps with one on then check the amps with the oem there is a noticeable difference. Not to mention the efficiency rating has changed.

I keep hearing this, but I have never experienced any problems. I have probably put on 20 plus of these. My brothers refrigerator is still running after 6 years with the 3 n 1. The refrigerator is in the garage. I also put one on a chest freezer with a small fractional horsepower compressor, and it still runs perfectly. Every time I go into a local parts store to buy one, the guy keeps telling me it is a crutch and will not last two weeks. All of them have lasted years. He just tries to sell his customers new refrigerators. Maybe, I'm having good luck with the ones I have put on, but it sure beats buying a new refrigerator. I wouldn't put one on a new under warranty unit, but I see no problem in putting one in a 5 year plus one. If it is under 5 years, I usually put one on temporarily and replace it with an OEM starting device later. Maybe, my sample is too small, or I am just lucky (knock on wood). I have also used SPP6 Superboost on A/C units with absolutely no issues. I get told all the time that these devices do not work. How would a company be able to sell 100's of thousands of these devices that damage units and not have a class action suit filed against them? Why would the supply houses still stock them? Why would some techs live by them?