Embraco FFI 12 HBK Refrigerator Compressor (Hermetic Compressor) – 3/8 HP, R134a, L/M/HBP, 1,316 W / 4,492 BTU/h, 220-240 V

Embraco FFI 12 HBK (written together as FFI12HBK; also searched for in the field simply as 12 HBK or FF 12 HBK) is a hermetic reciprocating refrigerator compressor operating with R134a. According to the Embraco data sheet, it is approved for L/M/HBP (low, medium and high back pressure) applications and operates in the −35 … +15 °C evaporating temperature range. With a displacement of 11.14 cm³, it delivers 1,316 W (4,492 BTU/h) cooling capacity at the ASHRAE HBP rating point (+7.2 °C evaporating / +54.4 °C condensing); the power input is 504 W and the efficiency is 2.61 W/W. The same compressor delivers 319 W (1,090 BTU/h) at the ASHRAE LBP point (−23.3 °C evaporating). It is known on the market as 3/8 HP; the Embraco commercial power class is 1/3+ HP. Its single-phase RSIR/CSIR motor runs on a 220-240 V / 50 Hz mains supply. It is used in capillary tube refrigeration circuits such as domestic refrigerators, bottle coolers, under-counter and display cabinets, small commercial coolers and water dispensers.

Important: Embraco defines this compressor for low starting torque (LST) and capillary tube systems: the compressor starts in circuits where the low and high pressures equalise at standstill; it is not used in systems with a thermostatic expansion valve (where the pressure does not equalise). The cooling method is by fan, and the condenser fan's air flow must also sweep over the compressor body.

L/M/HBP Hermetic Compressor Running on R134a for Refrigerators, Bottle Coolers and Display Cabinets

The RSIR/CSIR motor starts with a current relay and an 88-108 µF / 220 V start capacitor; no run capacitor is required. The Embraco data sheet specifies current relay 213516035 / 213516043 and overload protector CP4TMF210N52A2. The mains voltage must be in the 198-255 V range at 50 Hz; the locked rotor current (LRA) is 20 A, the full load current is 3.0 A at HBP and 2.5 A at L/MBP.

Box contents: supplied together with the compressor, start capacitor and current relay (as in the product photo).

The compressor oil is ester (POE) ISO 22 type and the factory charge is 280 ml. The body comes under 0.2-0.3 kgf/cm² nitrogen pressure, with the connections sealed with rubber plugs; the weight including oil is 10.9 kg. The maximum condensing pressure is 16.2 kgf/cm² (230 psig) in operation and 20.6 kgf/cm² (293 psig) at peak; the maximum winding temperature is 130 °C.

Technical Specifications (Embraco Official Data Sheet)

• Brand / Model: Embraco FFI12HBK (FFI 12 HBK) · Embraco engineering code 513200015
• Type: hermetic reciprocating (on-off) · single-phase RSIR/CSIR motor · LST low starting torque
• Application / Refrigerant: L/M/HBP (low, medium and high back pressure) · R134a
• Evaporating Temperature Range: −35 … +15 °C
• Power Class: 3/8 HP (Embraco commercial class 1/3+ HP)
• Cooling Capacity (ASHRAE HBP): 1,316 W (4,492 BTU/h · 1,132 kcal/h) · +7.2 °C evaporating / +54.4 °C condensing, 32 °C ambient, fan-cooled, 220 V / 50 Hz
• Cooling Capacity (ASHRAE LBP): 319 W (1,090 BTU/h) · −23.3 °C evaporating / +54.4 °C condensing
• Cooling Capacity (EN 12900 HBP): 1,011 W · +5 °C evaporating / +50 °C condensing · 464 W power · 2.18 W/W
• Power Consumption / Current / Efficiency (ASHRAE HBP): 504 W · 2.79 A · 2.61 W/W (8.91 BTU/Wh)
• Displacement: 11.14 cm³ · bore 26.0 mm · stroke 21.0 mm
• Electrical: 220-240 V / 50 Hz (operating range 198-255 V) · LRA 20 A · full load current 3.0 A (HBP), 2.5 A (L/MBP) · start winding 29.9 Ω, run winding 5.7 Ω (25 °C)
• Electrical Components (data sheet): current relay 213516035 / 213516043 · start capacitor 88-108 µF 220 V · no run capacitor · overload protector CP4TMF210N52A2
• Oil: ester (POE) ISO 22 · 280 ml
• Cooling Method: fan-cooled (specified for 32 °C and 43 °C ambient temperature)
• Expansion Device: capillary tube
• Maximum Condensing Pressure: 16.2 kgf/cm² operating · 20.6 kgf/cm² peak
• Maximum Winding Temperature: 130 °C
• Weight: 10.9 kg (including oil)
• Approvals: CCC · IRAM · UL · VDE

Dimensions, Connections and Installation Notes

• Overall Dimensions: width 252 mm (including terminal box) · depth 173.3 mm · height 203.3 mm
• Base Plate: Universal EG/F/AMEM type · width 202 mm · mounting holes Ø19 mm · hole centre spacing 165 / 170 / 174 mm (horizontal), 70 / 101.6 / 131.5 mm (vertical) · dimensioned drawing in the 2nd image
• Suction Connection: copper, inner diameter 8.2 mm (+0.12 / −0.08) · suits 5/16 inch tube · straight
• Discharge Connection: copper, inner diameter 6.5 mm (+0.12 / −0.08) · suits 1/4 inch tube · straight
• Service (Process) Connection: copper, inner diameter 6.5 mm · suits 1/4 inch tube · straight
• Connection Sealing: rubber plug · no oil cooler · no tray holder

Capacity Table (Embraco Performance Curve, 220 V / 50 Hz, R134a)

Values are measured under ASHRAE conditions (32 °C ambient, fan-cooled); capacity and power have a tolerance of ±5%, efficiency ±7%.

Technician Tips

• Use in a capillary tube circuit: the LST motor cannot start in a system where the pressure does not equalise at standstill (with expansion valve) and trips the overload protector. For a circuit with an expansion valve, choose a high starting torque (HST) model.
• Do not neglect the fan: Embraco defines this compressor as fan-cooled. In a cabinet without a fan, the body and winding temperature approaches the 130 °C limit and service life is shortened.
• Stay within the operating envelope: evaporating −35 … +15 °C, condensing pressure in operation at most 16.2 kgf/cm². Keeping the condenser clean keeps the condensing pressure below the limit in the summer months.
• Watch out for the ester oil: POE ISO 22 oil absorbs moisture quickly; remove the rubber plugs immediately before installation, evacuate the system well and always replace the filter drier.
• Set up the electrical connection correctly: it operates with a current relay, an 88-108 µF / 220 V start capacitor and an overload protector; no run capacitor is connected. Keep the mains voltage in the 198-255 V range; the starting current is 20 A.
• Select tube diameters according to the connections: suction is brazed with 5/16 inch, discharge and service with 1/4 inch copper tube; during brazing, wrap a wet cloth around the body to keep the heat at the connection.

Technical documents: Embraco FFI12HBK technical data sheet, code 513200015 (PDF, English) · Embraco PSS data sheet and dimensional drawing (PDF, English)