Panasonic C-SBS180H00B AC Inverter Scroll Compressor – 5 HP / 61,400 BTU (30-90 Hz), R407C, Requires Driver

The Panasonic C-SBS180H00B is a 5 HP class AC inverter scroll compressor operating with R407C refrigerant. At standard air conditioning conditions (Te 7.2 °C / Tc 54.4 °C) it delivers a cooling capacity of 12,460 W (≈42,500 BTU/h). It uses Panasonic's SBS series body and serves as the inverter compressor of air handling units, packaged air conditioners, chillers and commercial refrigeration units.

Inverter-Driven Scroll: Modulates Capacity According to Load

• Inverter-controlled: The compressor is not supplied directly from the mains but at variable frequency from the unit's driver (motor voltage 265 V class). At part load the speed drops; by running continuously instead of cycling on and off, it keeps the room temperature constant and eliminates the starting current load.
• Capacity increases with speed: At 60 Hz 12,460 W (≈42,500 BTU/h, COP 2.96); when the driver goes up to 90 Hz, the same compressor delivers 18,000 W (≈61,400 BTU/h — Panasonic rated value) — 6,570 W input, 11.1 A, 5,220 rpm. As the system load grows, capacity rises automatically.
• Operating envelope: Evaporating -15…+12 °C (Panasonic general specification) — air conditioning and medium temperature commercial refrigeration duty.
• Quiet: Max. 67 dB — well below reciprocating compressors of the same capacity.
• R407C compatible: The standard refrigerant for systems converted from R22; operates with POE (FV68S) oil.

Technical Specifications and Installation Notes

• Model: Panasonic C-SBS180H00B  |  Supply Code: 10.183.0030
• Type: Hermetic scroll, AC inverter-driven  |  Refrigerant: R407C
• Power Class: 5 HP (Panasonic rated value, 18,000 W at 90 Hz)  |  Capacity: 12,460 W / ≈42,500 BTU/h (Te 7.2 / Tc 54.4)
• Power Input: 4,216 W  |  Current: 8.86 A  |  COP: 2.96
• Displacement: 55.7 cm³/rev  |  Speed: 3,550 rpm (reference)
• Mains Supply: 380-415 V, 3 phase 50/60 Hz — unit input
• Motor Supply: 3-phase variable frequency from the driver (inverter); motor voltage ~265 V class — the compressor is not connected directly to the mains
• Mass Flow: 281.5 kg/h
• Oil: FV68S (ester), 2.0 L  |  Weight: 39 kg  |  Noise: max. 67 dB
• Connection Ports: Suction Ø22.22 mm (7/8")  |  Discharge Ø12.7 mm (1/2")
• Motor: 3-phase inverter asynchronous (induction) motor — driver frequency in the 30 / 60 / 90 Hz range
• Operating Envelope: Evaporating -15…+12 °C (HBP)

• 🔧 This is an inverter compressor and is not connected directly to the mains. When replacing, also check that the driver (inverter) board is sound; a faulty driver will burn out the new compressor too. Check that the winding resistance is balanced across the three phases.
• Scroll compressors are sensitive to reverse rotation: Connect the driver output phase sequence according to the manufacturer's diagram; in reverse rotation no pressure builds up and noise increases.
• R407C is a zeotropic blend: Always charge in the liquid phase; charging in the vapor phase alters the blend ratio and capacity drops. After a leak, recovering and recharging is preferred over topping up.
• Ester oil absorbs moisture: Remove the plugs immediately before installation and dry the system with a deep vacuum (≤500 micron).

Manufacturer Technical Data

• Cooling Capacity: 12,460 W = 42,500 BTU/h
• Power Input: 4,216 W — COP: 2.96
• Nominal Current: 8.86 A
• Displacement: 55.7 cm³/rev
• Oil Quantity: 2.00 L
• Net Weight: 38.9 kg
• Sound Level: 67 dB
• Power Supply: 380~415 V / 3 phase / 60 Hz
• Refrigerant: R407C

The values are taken from the manufacturer's technical report; test conditions: evaporating 7.2 °C, condensing 54.4 °C, superheat 11.1 K, subcooling 8.3 K.

About the HP rating: Panasonic classifies this model as 5 HP nominal in its own selection guide; the "180" in the model code refers to the 18,000 W capacity at maximum speed (90 Hz). The 42,500 BTU/h in the catalog is the value at the 60 Hz operating point. The "00" suffix at the end of the code means "AC inverter, 400 V driver input" in Panasonic nomenclature.