Overload status indicator for a refrigeration unit

Abstract

A compressor assembly comprises a compressor, a motor protector, and a signaling device. Upon an overload condition, the motor protector activates. The signaling device also activates to serve as an alert that the compressor is not malfunctioning but instead is in an overload condition.

1 . A scroll compressor comprising: 
 a pair of scroll elements interfitting to define compression chambers;    a drive shaft driven by an electric motor having a stator and a rotor, said drive shaft causing one of said two scroll members to orbit relative to the other; and    a motor protector switch mounted in conjunction with a winding of said stator, said motor protector switch including a switch within a compressor housing which is selectively opened to stop operation of said electric motor, and a signaling device associated with said motor protector switch to provide a signal external to said compressor housing when said switch is opened.    
   
   
       2 . The scroll compressor of  claim 1 , wherein said switch is in communication with a power source and said winding of said stator.