Electric Motor Start Capacitor Troubleshooting

If the capacitor has failed the symptom is that the motor won t start.

Electric motor start capacitor troubleshooting.

To check the capacitor set the volt ohm meter to rx100 scale and touch its probes to the capacitor terminals. First discharge the capacitor. Here we provide an electric motor diagnostic table a troubleshooting guide that helps diagnose and repair most electric motor problems for motors found on hvac equipment in buildings such as air conditioners furnace or air handler blower fans oil burner motors well pumps and condensate return. A start capacitor is only used in the motor circuit for a second or two when it first starts to turn.

The start capacitor is designed to stay in the circuit only until the compressor reaches 2 3 to 3 4 of its operating speed. Wear work gloves and use a screwdriver with an insulated handle so you don t shock yourself. Electric motor starting run capacitor troubleshooting faqs questions answers about electric motor start boost or run capacitors capacitors are electric devices that get an electric motor running at start up or that help keep a motor running once it has started. Inspect to see that the load is free.

To check a start capacitor start by turning off and unplugging your appliance. Capacitors give the motor more starting and or running torque. Start capacitors are not designed to dissipate the heat associated with continuous operation. A damaged or burnt out capacitor may hold only a fraction of the energy needed for the.

A capacitor motor is a split phase motor with the addition of one or two capacitors. The only additional device to be considered is the capacitor. Capacitor on single phase motor may have failed. The addition of a start capacitor increases the starting torque of the compressor by 300 to 500.

Capacitor start electric motors use a starting coil and a capacitor to create an advancing magnetic field in the stator outer frame of the motor with its coils. The higher the capacitance of the capacitor the more energy it can store. A bad motor capacitor may cause starting problems or could shut off the motor while running. This advancing magnetic field gives the rotor something to chase causing the rotor to spin.

Verify the amp draw of motor versus the nameplate rating. Motor overloaded or jammed. This article describes a c electrical motor troubleshooting. If a failed start capacitor is discovered while troubleshooting the start relay.

Then use a screwdriver to open the appliance so you can locate the capacitor which is a metal tube that should be near the motor. Motor capacitors store electrical energy for the motor to use. This causes the motor to start with a higher torque than would normally be possible. They are designed to stay in the circuit only momentarily while the motor is starting.

Electric motor test repair guide. Troubleshooting capacitor motors is like troubleshooting split phase motors. If a start capacitor stays in the circuit too long it will overheat and fail. Once the motor is up to speed the start capacitor disconnects and is not used again until the next time the motor starts.

You may hear it humming or observe that it s getting hot.