When it comes to capacitor motors, capacitors have a limited life span and are frequently the source of problems. Capacitors may experience a short circuit, an open circuit, or they may deteriorate to the point where they must be replaced entirely. Weakening can also cause the value of a capacitor to alter, which can result in more complications.
One of the most common causes of a failed start capacitor is excessive heating. In contrast to start capacitors, which are designed to remain in the circuit just for a brief period of time. If a start capacitor is left in the circuit for an excessive amount of time, it will overheat and fail.
Increased motor vibration, heat generation, increased power consumption, increased torque fluctuation, and unstable operations are all possible when you use a capacitor with a differing capacitance. Today we are going to cover the replacement procedure and a little more about the start capacitors on air compressor
Replacing a start capacitor on air compressor
Now and then, if you are going to replace a capacitor or install a start capacitor or even you can say just trying to start it out; the procedure is quite simple and similar to each other. Talking about the replacement there are numerous capacitors that you can replace with; the most common of all is the hard-start, which is quite economical and beneficial. It works by providing a minor amount of extra torque to start the motor.
There is this typical practice among service technicians to simply swap in a new starting capacitor when an air conditioning motor is having complications while starting. This is due to the fact that it is a quick, simple, and inexpensive step to do this way and nothing more of a hard and fast rule.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that the main cause of the problem could be anything more than a motor itself. If you have a single phase compressor, you can use an ohmmeter to easily detect the compressor in the first stance.
A start capacitor for a compressor has two functions:
- It provides additional beginning torque at startup and it helps to get the motor moving in the right direction when it first starts.
- It connects the line voltage to the start winding of the compressor by way of a dropout mechanism, then through the capacitor and into the compressor.
In order for the start plug to function properly, the line voltage must be taken out of phase by 90 degrees when power is delivered at startup.
This guarantees that the motor begins properly and that the amperage is used to produce a magnetic field that puts the maximum torque on the motor, overcoming any challenges experienced during initiation due to workload.
To restart a compressor that has a defective start capacitor, you must replace the capacitor as well as the other associated components.
5 Steps to replace a start capacitor on air compressor
The very obvious thing, purchase the capacitor that is suited for your air compressor. They can be purchased at your local HVAC Supply Store, or they can be acquired online through sites such as Amazon, eBay, and so on.
The quickest and most straightforward approach to ensure that you purchase the correct one is to order the same model number from the same manufacturer. There are times when another brand may be more economical than the one you are currently using.
In this scenario, you’ll want to make sure that the new capacitor’s specifications match those of the old one.
- Connect the new capacitor in the same spot as the old capacitor, and turn on the power. Attach the correctly colored wires to the old capacitor in the same manner that they were originally connected.
- For an air compressor, re-attach the curved metal bracket to the capacitor to keep it in place for better positioning.
- Check the performance of the new capacitor. Replace the 220v breaker in the “ON” position with a new one. After that, immediately set the thermostat to a cool setting. Within the next two to three minutes, the air conditioning unit should begin to operate.
- Check to see that the unit is functioning properly. Do not attempt to reattach the side panel of your air conditioning unit while there is electricity flowing through it
- Power should be shut down by disabling the thermostat and re-installing the 220v breaker, as previously described. Here, now replace the cover for the air conditioning panel and secure it with the required screws.
Then reconnect the 220v breaker and adjust the thermostat to the cool setting. And this way, you have done your job of replacing a start capacitor in an air compressor.
Conclusion
It is always safe to replace a capacitor with one that has a greater voltage rating than the one that was originally installed. During the time, when the motor is starting, continuous operation capacitors are designed to dissipate the heat generated by continuous operation. Everything else being equal, the only drawback with a capacitor rated for higher voltage is that it is typically bigger than a capacitor rated for lower voltage. Check to see if they will truly fit in the same place.
Above, we have compiled all the steps and techniques, after trying it out practically that you need to follow for a successful replacement of a start capacitor in an air compressor.
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