Which condition in a refrigeration system indicates proper compressor operation?

In a refrigeration system, proper compressor operation is indicated by having high pressure on the high side and low pressure on the low side. This pressure differential is essential for the refrigeration cycle to function effectively. The high side, which includes the condenser and receiver, should indeed maintain a significantly higher pressure than the low side, comprising the evaporator.

When the compressor operates efficiently, it compresses the refrigerant gas from the low-pressure side (evaporator) and raises its pressure dramatically before sending it to the high-pressure side. This operation results in high pressure on the high side, allowing for heat exchange in the condenser and enabling the refrigerant to transition back to a liquid state. Simultaneously, the low pressure on the low side ensures that the refrigerant can absorb heat from the environment, completing the cycle.

By maintaining such a pressure differential, we ensure that the system is functioning as intended, facilitating the effective transfer of heat and ensuring overall system efficiency. This scenario directly demonstrates that the compressor is doing its job by continuously creating the necessary low-pressure environment for refrigerant evaporation.