What is the primary hazard of overcharging a refrigeration system?

Overcharging a refrigeration system primarily leads to increased compressor power consumption. When a refrigeration system is overcharged with refrigerant, it alters the balance of the system's components. The compressor is designed to operate within a specific amount of refrigerant to maintain efficient cooling.

When too much refrigerant is present, it results in excessive pressure within the system. The compressor must work harder to compress the excess refrigerant, leading to higher power consumption. This situation not only increases operational costs but can also cause the compressor to run inefficiently, which could eventually affect its lifespan and performance.

The other potential issues that might arise from overcharging, such as reduced energy efficiency, compressor failure, or refrigerant leaks, can be consequences of increased power consumption. However, the immediate result of overcharging is the increased workload on the compressor, making the higher power consumption the primary hazard to be considered.