I picked up a small fridge compressor with the idea of playing around using 
it for a SMD vacuum parts pick up tool, but it behaves strangely.

On initial power up it runs fine, very quietly. It quickly/easily pulls down 
to 20kpa (-80kPa).

However if I disconnect the power and reconnect there is a quiet hum but the 
motor is stalled. If I disconnect again then wait a minute or two before 
reconnecting it powers on fine and will run fine - I've let it run for 5 
minutes continuously with no problems.

As part of the terminals to the motor there appears to be a thermal overload 
switch, it gets warm but not hot (guess ~30 Celius)

Heres a link to the data sheet:


http://www.transtech-co.jp/electronics/en/Library/compressor7.pdf

I vaguely recall something about fridges having protection against rapid 
cycling of the power for some reason - but that could be rubbish.


Any ideas?



PS: neat home SMD vac pickup video: 
http://www.youtube.com/user/mikeselectricstuff#p/u/8/pdGSFc7VjBE