What is a common cause of compressor failure in refrigeration systems?

Moisture contamination is a common cause of compressor failure in refrigeration systems because it can lead to several detrimental effects. When moisture enters the refrigerant system, it can mix with the refrigerant and create acids that corrode the components of the system. This corrosion can damage the compressor's internal parts and lead to its premature failure.

Additionally, moisture can cause the formation of ice in the system, which restricts the flow of refrigerant and can further strain the compressor as it struggles to circulate under abnormal conditions. When ice forms, it can also block the expansion device, leading to increased pressure and temperatures in the compressor, which can lead to overheating and eventual breakdown.

In contrast, while options like overcharging the system, excessive heat from compression, and improper refrigerant type can also cause issues within refrigeration systems, they do not have the same pervasive and damaging impact as moisture contamination. Moisture not only affects the compressor but can create a chain reaction of failures throughout the system, making it a particularly critical issue to address.