A Copeland scroll model number such as ZR48K3E-TFD-522 reads in blocks. Z is Copeland scroll, R the application range, 48 the nominal capacity, K the ×1000 multiplier, 3 an index number and E the oil type, POE. In TFD, T is three-phase, F internal motor protection and D the voltage range. The last three, 522, are the BOM.
What each part of the model number means
Copeland publishes a technical information bulletin, TI_Scroll_BOM, that defines the nomenclature. Its worked example is ZR48K3E-TFD-522, and the segments below follow that bulletin. We state only what the bulletin defines and do not extend the letters to meanings it does not give.
| Segment | What Copeland’s TI gives |
|---|---|
| Z | Compressor family: Copeland scroll |
| R | Compressor family: application range |
| 48 | Compressor nominal capacity |
| K | Capacity multiplier. K means ×1000. |
| 3 | Index or generation number |
| E | Type of oil or refrigerant. In the TI example, E means POE. The TI’s table covers the other letters in this position, and we do not reproduce it here. |
| T | Motor type: three-phase motor, three leads |
| F | Motor protection: internal motor protection. The TI’s motor protection letters are E (external enhanced), F (internal), N (electronic) and W (external). |
| D | Voltage range. The TI gives D as 380–420 V/3 ph/50 Hz plus 460 V/3 ph/60 Hz. Other voltage letters are in the TI. |
| 522 | The BOM indication |
The model number reads in a fixed order: family, application range, capacity, multiplier, index, oil type, then the three-character motor and voltage block, then the BOM. The oil or refrigerant position is defined in the TI table and is not expanded here, so read the letter in your string against the TI rather than from our summary.
What the BOM number is
The BOM number is the three digits or letters at the end of the model. The TI says the BOM gives details on the compressor specifications, for example the compressor housing version, additional features, the IP rating of the electrical box and the accessories in the standard delivery. Two compressors with the same letters before the last block can therefore differ in what is physically on them if the BOM differs.
That is why the BOM matters when you read a nameplate for replacement. Keep the BOM with the rest of the model string whenever you search or order. The TI also contains tables that cross-reference current service BOMs to obsolete ones, which is the right place to look when your compressor is an older version.
Reading the model numbers on our listings
Our Copeland scroll listings print the full Copeland model in the product title, followed by a York number after a vertical bar. The Copeland number is the compressor manufacturer’s model. The York number is the York part number shown in the same title. We list the compressor by the title you see and do not state an interchange beyond it.
Because the title carries both numbers, a search on either the Copeland model or the York number can land on the same listing. Check the full Copeland string, BOM included, against your nameplate before you rely on the York number.
Three examples show the same pattern with different strings:
- ZR81KCE-TFD-950: family ZR, capacity 81 with the K multiplier, and the characters after K to be read against the TI. The TFD block reads the same as in the example: three-phase motor, internal motor protection, voltage range D. BOM 950.
- ZR61K3E-TF5-930: family ZR, capacity 61 with the K multiplier, then 3 and E as in the example. In TF5, T is a three-phase motor and F is internal motor protection. The 5 is a voltage code to read in the TI. BOM 930.
- ZR300KC-TWE-951: family ZR, capacity 300 with the K multiplier. In TWE, T is a three-phase motor and W is external motor protection in the TI’s list. The last letter is a voltage code to read in the TI. BOM 951.
Where people misread a Copeland model number
Most mistakes come from reading only part of the string. Read it left to right, one block at a time, and write each block down before you compare it with a listing. Four mistakes are common.
- Stopping at the capacity. The number after Z and R is the nominal capacity, and it is only one segment. Two compressors can share a capacity number and still differ in family, motor and voltage block or BOM.
- Dropping the BOM. The last three characters are easy to leave off when copying a nameplate, and they are the part that gives the housing version, additional features, electrical box IP rating and accessories in the standard delivery.
- Guessing at letters. If the TI does not define a letter, a forum post or a parts sheet is not a substitute. We leave undefined letters undecoded, and so should you.
- Treating the title as a cross-reference chart. A listing title shows one York number beside one Copeland model. It does not tell you what else the compressor interchanges with.
How to read your nameplate
- Copy the whole string. Include every hyphen and the last three characters. Photograph the nameplate if the stamping is hard to read.
- Split it at the hyphens. You get the model block (such as ZR48K3E), the motor and voltage block (such as TFD) and the BOM.
- Identify Z and the family letter. Z means Copeland scroll. The next letter is the family or application designation in the TI.
- Read the capacity block. The number before K is the nominal capacity, and K is the ×1000 multiplier. The character after K is an index number, and the next is the oil type letter. Confirm each against the TI.
- Read the motor and voltage block. T is the motor type, three-phase with three leads. The second character is the motor protection letter, and the third is the voltage range. Use the TI to decode them.
- Write down the BOM. Keep the last three characters with the rest of the string, since the BOM gives the compressor’s specification details.
- Search the whole model in site search. Compare the listing title to your string, character by character.
Parts involved
| Component | Role in this issue | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| Copeland scroll compressor, ZR81KCE-TFD-950 | An example of a full model string with its BOM, as printed on a listing. | Copeland ZR81KCE-TFD-950 Scroll Compressor | York 027-04314-008 |
| Copeland scroll compressor, ZR61K3E-TF5-930 | Same pattern, different voltage code and BOM. | Copeland ZR61K3E-TF5-930 Scroll Compressor | York 027-03873-008 |
| Copeland scroll compressor, ZR300KC-TWE-951 | Same pattern, larger capacity number and different motor protection letter. | Copeland ZR300KC-TWE-951 Scroll Compressor | York 015-02891-205 |
| All Copeland scroll listings | Browse by model string and BOM. | Copeland Scroll Compressors |
Scope: This article explains the nomenclature in Copeland’s technical information bulletin TI_Scroll_BOM. We have not decoded any letter that the bulletin does not define, we do not reproduce its oil and refrigerant letter table, and we do not state fitment between compressors. A compressor’s nameplate and Copeland’s own tables decide that. Read your nameplate, not a listing title alone.
Before you order
Confirm your compressor’s full model string and serial number from its nameplate before ordering, using our model and serial number guide if you need it. Search the model in our site search, or browse the Copeland scroll compressors collection and the wider compressors collection. If your compressor’s number is obsolete, our article on part number supersessions explains how to check. For anything not listed, use our request a quote page, or contact us at help@totalhvacparts.com and we will help confirm fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does TFD mean on a Copeland compressor?
In Copeland’s TI example, TFD is the motor and voltage block. T is a three-phase motor, F is internal motor protection and D is the voltage range, which the TI gives as 380–420 V/3 ph/50 Hz plus 460 V/3 ph/60 Hz. Other letters are in the TI.
What is the difference between Copeland ZR and ZP?
In Copeland’s nomenclature Z is Copeland scroll and the second letter is the application range. The TI treats ZR and ZP as separate product lines with their own tables and does not compare them, so check your model against the TI table for its line.
What does K3E mean on a Copeland compressor?
In the TI example, K is the ×1000 capacity multiplier, 3 is an index or generation number and E is the oil type, shown as POE. The TI’s table covers the other oil and refrigerant letters; decode your exact string against it.
What is the last three-digit number on a Copeland compressor?
It is the BOM number. Copeland’s TI says it gives details such as the compressor housing version, additional features, electrical box IP rating and accessories in the standard delivery. Keep it with the rest of the model when you order.
Sources
- Copeland Technical Information, TI_Scroll_BOM_EN_Rev00 (model number nomenclature, example ZR48K3E-TFD-522; BOM number definition; obsolete-to-current BOM tables)
- Live product titles on our Copeland scroll compressor listings (model strings and York cross-reference numbers as printed)
Compressor replacement involves line-voltage electrical connections, refrigerant and system pressure. Service should be performed only by qualified personnel, following Copeland’s documentation for your compressor, applicable refrigerant handling requirements and your facility’s lockout/tagout procedures.