Fedders (Goldstar) FDHF402L 40-Pints Dehumidifier | Initial Checkout

The initial checkout of a Fedders 40-pints dehumidifier model FDHF402L. The unit was made in Korea by Goldstar, most likely in the late 80s. It still utilizes R-12 refrigerant, which is very late in the R12 era; most were using 22, 500, or 134 by now. It utilizes entirely shaded pole motors, which results in a very high power draw. The power consumption isn't for nothing though, the machine pulls a lot of moisture from the air and is designed to operate safely for decades to come.

[@DBVintage]

My built-in refrigerator from the 1990s has r 12 in the system. I believe the unit was manufactured in 1996. In my garage I have a whirlpool that is dated 1998 and it is charged up with our 134.
I know cars used r 12 open till 1992.
Fun fact about Goldstar is that they are now LG. They did make some very decent stuff back in the 1980s.

[@ryanstrains6446]

Nice checkout of this Fedders (Goldstar) Dehumidifier. Looks to be in great shape and hopefully it will run for decades to come. R12 may have been used up until sometime in the late 1990s. It would eventually be replaced by R134-a sometime in the very late 1990s or early 2000s.

[@fordmuscleluis9710]

Excellent initial checkout video of this dehumidifier love that start-up sound from the compressor bro

[@charliesheehan4577]

We had a similar unit growing up as a kid in my old house. I can kick myself for not snagging the unit when we moved out.

[@LemontHill]

Pretty cool startup sound on the compressor I enjoyed the video bro

[@redleader6442]

I had no idea that Fedders made dehumidifiers, although it makes sense that they do.

[@Jon-hx7pe]

i like how the light dims when it's turned on - must be on the same circuit.

[@georgen.8027]

Metal cabinet vs. plastic makes all the difference

[@ZiggZagg11]

I didn't know dehumidifiers catch fire... 😮 I have a mini one in my RV👀 Should I be concerned...? 🤔

[@danl.1118]

Any specific recommendations for a vintage dehumidifier? Do you sell any of them?

[@djbrucebanner9882]

I like it

[@noahcorley9421]

No way you’re still commenting this bs

[@fanshvacandmore14]

how tf are you still commenting this after all this time

[@Xyspade]

Ah yes, this has a PSC (pole shaded compressor).

[@Jon-hx7pe]

I doubt that the compressor is shaded pole as those don't have enough torque and are super-low efficiency on top of poor power factor.
very possible the compressor motor is split phase though so it has two windings with different wire gauges and not capacitor.

[@ExitSignAficionado]

My thoughts exactly, though I have never seen a split phase without a capacitor, but that is just my experience and I am not doubting something that it would exist.

[@Jon-hx7pe]

@@ExitSignAficionado a motor with a capacitor is not really referred to as a split phase though - it is a capacitor start where it drops out once getting up to speed or permanent split capacitor where the start winding and the cap stays in the circuit. can also have both - aka, psc compressor motor with run cap and a 3 wire start kit with potential relay.
split phase without cap is common in things like clothes driers, relying just on the different winding gauges to create a smaller phase shift and once it hits 80%+ speed the start winding drops out.
shaded pole is so bloody inefficient and also has a poor power factor with such low starting torque i don't think it would ever be used for a compressor. the fan in that dehumidifier is likely shaded pole though.