Patent ID: 7694525

Claim:
A control system for operating at least the condenser fan and compressor of a climate control apparatus, the control system comprising: a set of contacts for connecting power to a compressor motor; a set of contacts for connecting power to a condenser fan motor; at least one sensor for sensing a current level of the power connected to the compressor motor; and a microprocessor in communication with the at least one sensor, the microprocessor being configured to generate a signal to close the contacts for connecting power to the compressor motor when a thermostat requests operation of the compressor, wherein the microprocessor responds to a sensed current level that is below a minimum threshold by generating a signal to open the contacts for disconnecting power to the compressor motor; wherein the microprocessor is further configured to generate a signal to open the contacts for disconnecting power to the compressor motor when the thermostat requests discontinued operation of the compressor, where upon requesting discontinued operation of the compressor the microprocessor responds to a sensed current level indicating that the contacts are not open by initiating a response action.