A terminal box for a refrigeration compressor

A terminal box (2) for a refrigeration compressor (4) of refrigeration apparatus (6), comprising control means (10) for automatically controlling the operation of the refrigeration compressor (4), the control means (10) being a solid state control means which comprises first and second timers (16, 18). The first timer (16) is for providing an adjustable time delay for at least one oil pressure differential switch (20, 22) to control the period before the oil pressure differential switch (20, 22) is able to be re-set after operation whereby refrigerant which is mixed with oil is removed from the oil as refrigerant gas and the oil is then able to provide optimum lubrication for a motor (19) of the refrigeration compressor. The second timer (18) is for controlling the starting of the motor (19). The motor (19) has windings and an armature, and the second timer ensures that during start up of the motor (19), the windings receive only part of the maximum available current until the armature is rotating sufficiently fast for the windings to receive the maximum available current without damage being caused to the motor (19).