In a supermarket scenario, what is the likely issue if all compressors are off, and the hot gas discharge line is cold?

The scenario describes a situation where all compressors are off, and the hot gas discharge line is cold. In a commercial refrigeration system, the discharge line normally carries hot refrigerant gas from the compressor to the condenser when the system is operating. If the compressors are off and the discharge line is cold, it indicates that there is likely no refrigerant flow, which can be related to issues surrounding the condenser's ability to function properly.

When condenser ambient controls are faulty, they can prevent the system from starting up or effectively regulating the compressor operation based on the ambient conditions. This might happen if the controls fail to recognize that the system needs to operate or if they prevent the compressor from starting at all. Consequently, the entire system is effectively shut down, leading to compressors not running, and resulting in a cold discharge line, as there is no hot gas being expelled by the compressor.

This situation is different from other possible issues. A faulty liquid line service valve would more commonly cause issues with refrigerant flow rather than impacting the discharge line directly. A defective pump down solenoid may prevent the refrigerant from being successfully pumped down, but it wouldn't typically result in the discharge line being cold when the compressors are off. A plugged filter drier could affect system performance and