Copeland ZB38KQE-TFD-559 Scroll Compressor – 5 HP / 38,000 BTU, R404A (With Rotalock Valves, Made in Asia)

Copeland ZB38KQE-TFD-559 is Emerson Copeland's refrigeration-type ZB series hermetic scroll compressor. In the 5 HP power class, it is designed for use with R404A refrigerant in cold rooms, supermarket cabinets, blast freezing rooms and commercial refrigeration applications. It is supplied with Rotalock valves: since the suction and discharge valves come mounted on the compressor, on-site replacement is done quickly without brazing, by closing off the gas at the valves.

ZB Series Scroll: The Standard of Commercial Refrigeration

• Scroll advantage: Far fewer moving parts than a reciprocating compressor — low vibration, quiet operation, high volumetric efficiency and long life.
• 14.40 m³/h swept volume (50 Hz) — 38,000 BTU nominal capacity class (encoded in the Copeland model code).
• Rotalock valve connection: 1 1/4" suction / 1" discharge — brazeless installation and removal, service friendly.
• 380-420 V three-phase (TFD): Standard supply for commercial refrigeration control panels.
• Comes charged with POE oil; compatible with R404A/HFC refrigerants.

Technical Specifications and Installation Notes

• Model: Copeland ZB38KQE-TFD-559  |  Series: ZB (refrigeration-type scroll)
• Power: 5 HP  |  Capacity Class: 38,000 BTU
• Refrigerant: R404A
• Swept Volume: 14.40 m³/h (50 Hz)
• Supply: 380-420 V ~ 50 Hz, three-phase
• Connection: With Rotalock valves — suction 1 1/4" / discharge 1"
• Body Dimensions: 242 × 242 × 457 mm (L×W×H)  |  Net Weight: 38 kg
• Mounting: 190.5 × 190.5 mm mounting hole spacing (4 × Ø19 mm) — dimensioned technical drawing in the 2nd image
• Oil: POE (ester), 2.07 L factory charge

• 🔧 Check the phase sequence. A scroll compressor compresses in one direction only; in reverse rotation the pressure does not rise and noise increases — swap two phases and try again.
• Tighten Rotalock fittings with a new gasket and to the specified torque; installing with an old gasket is the most common cause of leaks.
• POE oil absorbs moisture: Open the compressor just before installation, do not leave the system open to the atmosphere for long, and pull a deep vacuum before charging.
• Use a crankcase heater at low ambient temperatures — liquid refrigerant mixing with the oil at a cold start damages the bearings.

Production Line Difference (Europe / Asia)

The Copeland ZB series is manufactured on two separate production lines. This listing is the Asia line (KQE) unit; the Europe line (KCE) version of the same capacity is listed as a separate product in our store. The swept volume (14.4 m³/h), approved refrigerants and Rotalock connection are the same on both lines; in this body range there is no practical difference in performance values. The small differences are in the oil charge (2.07 L / 1.90 L on the Europe line) and body dimensions.