If a panel on a large centrifugal refrigeration system indicates a water flow problem, what is the recommended first step?

• A. Inspect evaporator for frost
• B. Replace the water pump
• C. Check condenser water pump and restart
• D. Increase condenser water flow manually

Answer: (C)

Condenser water flow is critical because it carries away the heat rejected by the refrigerant in the condenser. When the system panel indicates a water flow problem, the first step is to verify the condenser water pump is operating and to restart it if it has tripped or shut down. If the pump isn’t delivering flow, heat rejection drops, head pressures can climb, and the system can go into protection or operate inefficiently. A quick restart addresses common issues like overload or a momentary fault and can restore flow without more invasive steps. If restarting doesn’t fix the issue, then you would investigate further—checking for pump failure, air in the lines, blockages, or leaks—but the priority is to confirm and restore condenser water circulation first. Inspecting the evaporator for frost does not directly address the condenser flow fault, and manually increasing condenser water flow can bypass controls and cause other problems, so it isn’t the recommended first action.