| InspectAPedia® | Question? Just ask us! |  InspectAPedia | |
Free Encyclopedia of Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, Repair | |||
Electric Motor Starting Capacitor Selection
Installation Guide to Air Conditioning Compressor Motor & Other Electric Motor Start-Boost or Run Capacitors
- HOW to CHOOSE a START / RUN CAPACITOR - CONTENTS: how to choose & buy an electric motor start capacitor, hard start capacitor, or run capacitor that is properly rated for and matches the requirements of the electric motor such as an AC compressor motor or fan motor where the capacitor is to be installed.
- POST a QUESTION or READ FAQs about installing a hard-start capacitor to get an air conditioner motor, fan motor, or other electric motor running.
- REFERENCES
InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.
Electric motor start-run capacitor selection guide:
This article explains how to choose & buy an electric motor start capacitor, hard start capacitor, or run capacitor that is properly rated for and matches the requirements of the electric motor such as an AC compressor motor or fan motor where the capacitor is to be installed.
This electric motor capacitor article series explains the selection, installation, testing, & use of electric motor starter start and run capacitors used on various electric motors found in or at buildings such as air conditioner compressors, fan motors, some well pumps and some heating equipment.
These electric motors use a capacitor to start and run the motor efficiently. We explain the choice & wiring procedures for a hard start capacitor designed to get a hard-starting air conditioner compressor motor, fan motor, refrigerator, or freezer compressor or other electric motor (such as a well pump) going.
We also provide a MASTER INDEX to this topic, or you can try the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX as a quick way to find information you need.
Green links show where you are. © Copyright 2017 InspectApedia.com, All Rights Reserved.
Green links show where you are. © Copyright 2017 InspectApedia.com, All Rights Reserved.
How to Find, Choose, & Buy a Replacement Electric Motor Starting Capacitor
The best option if you are replacing a starting capacitor or a start/run capacitor is to match the existing device on your system. [Click to enlarge any image]
Capacitor Ratings
Capacitor energy ratings are expressed in farads - the amount of electrical power stored in the capacitor, where uf = microfarad (10-6 farads) and is the same as mfd (microfarads) written in other references.
Capacitors are also rated for the voltage range in which the capacitor can safely operate, such as 220V or 440V.
You can substitute capacitors on a cooling system but the substitute capacitor must be able to handle the voltage. For example you can't sub a 110V-rated capacitor into a 220V system.
Depending on the application, the micro-farad range of starting capacitors varies according to the motor size. Run capacitors typically range in micro-farads from 1.5 to 50uf. Start capacitors typically range from 20-30 uf up to 250-300 uf. The example capacitor charts (left) are adapted from AFCAP. [2]
You can also check a capacitor to compare its performance with its microfarad rating by using an ohmmeter. In a working capacitor ohms will build-up and then fall off (when the capacitor discharges).
If you reverse the + and - leads of the DC ohmmeter. leads it will repeat. If you do not see any resistance in the capacitor then it has an internal short and it's shot - you need a new one.
HVAC suppliers sell general-use starting capacitors that are intended for use across a range of electrical motors and motor sizes.
But at least some industry sources (the Sealed Unit Parts Company or Supco) make a more careful argument explaining that it's best not to install a significantly oversized starting capacitor on an electric motor. According to Supco, [quoting]
If the start capacitor is too large for the application, the capacitor can actually mask the developed voltage in the start windings and keep the start capacitor in the circuit continuously. .... The ... run-start voltage is suppressed below the trigger voltage of the start device. As a result, the start capacitor remains in the circuit as the motor runs.
A secondary, fail-safe method is necessary to ensure that the start device is ultimately removed from the circuit.
... A start device that fails to remove the start capacitor from the circuit has the potential to cause premature failure of the start windings in the compressor. ... If the capacitor is never removed from the start windings, premature winding failure could occur. As such, care should be taken when selecting capacitor sizes for an application.
Care should also be taken regarding products that tout a "bigger capacitor is better" approach to compressor starting. SUPCO E-Class devices provide a secondary timing safety device to ensure that the start capacitor is dropped from the circuit in a fail-safe mode.
[Italics are ours-Ed.].
Start & Run & Dual Capacitor Specification References
- Essex, Brown: "Motor Repair Supplies" (Catalog), Essex Group, Inc., 1601 Wall St., Fort Wayne, Indiana 46801, Tel: 219-461-4633, Website: www.superioressex.com, retrieved 6/20/14, original source: http://www.essexbrownell.com/uploadedFiles/Content/Products/MR%20Supplies%20Catalog-s.pdf - see pp. 86-89.
- Sealed Unit Parts Co., Inc., PO Box 21, 2230 Landmark Place, Allenwood NJ 08720, USA, Tel: 732-223-6644, Website: www.supco.com, Email: info@supcocom, Supco Catalog, retrieved 6/20/14, original source: http://www.economicelectricmotors.com/cdrom/catalogs/Supco_catalog.pdf - see pp. 2-6.
- van Roon, Tony, "Capacitors", [online article], retrieved 6/20/14, original source: http://www.sentex.ca/~mec1995/gadgets/caps/caps.html, gives a very detailed history of the invention and history of electrical capcitors beginning with van Musschenbroek's Leyden jar in 1745. This article includes
"Capacitor Nomenclature" by Dean Huster. - Kaiser, Cletus J., The Capacitor Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide For Correct Component Selection In All Circuit Applications. Know What To Use When And Where, 2d Ed., [at Amazon.com] C.J. Publishing (2011), ISBN-10: 0962852538, ISBN-13: 978-0962852534 - product description
This book provides practical guidance and application information when using capacitors in electronics and electrical circuit design. This easy-to-use book covers the following capacitor types: Ceramic, Plastic Film, Aluminum Electrolytic, Tantalum, Glass, Mica, and others. This book also has a very comprehensive Glossary and Index. The Selection Guidelines and the Symbols and Equations sections have the answers to all of your daily application questions. This book is one in a series of component handbooks.
Examples & Sources of Start / Run Motor Capacitors
- Packard 370V 45+5 MFD Round Run Capacitor
- Supco™ 30+5 MFD 440V 440 Volt 50/60 Hz Round Motor Capacitor (typical application for Amana, Carrier, Rheem, Trane equipment)
- Supco™ 45+5 MFD 440V 440 Vol 50/60 Hz Round Motor Capacitor (typical application for Amana, Carrier, Rheem, Trane equipment)
- Supco HS6 (SPP6) Hard Start Relay Capacitor (230V) gives a starting torque boost of up to 500%. Quoting from product sales literature:
The SUPCO SPP6 Super Boost hard start capacitor increases starting torque up to 500%. Features: Installs in seconds across run capacitor terminals Contains specially designed relay and large start capacitor for severe hard start problems.
Applications: Room A/C units, Residential and commercial PSC A/C units and heat pumps, For all PSC A/C units from 4,000 thru 120,000 BTU's (1/2 thru 10 H.P.) Can be used on 120 thru 288 VAC units, For severe low voltage and hard starting compressors.
SPP6 Specifications: Voltage: 115V - 230V. Increased Torque: 390 ounce inches. - retrieved 6/16/14 Amazon.com sales - Supco™ Universal (broad application) Capacitor, 10 MFD at 370V
Reader Question: distributor says the order of numbers on the capacitor doesn't matter
6/16/2014 Danno said:
I'm replacing the capacitor in my AC condenser. The original/stock unit says 35/5 440 AC. This is the cap I ordered from a distributor, but upon receiving it, the box says "5/35 440" (the 5 and 35 are transposed. Distributor says its the same thing. Is this correct? Thanks for any 411
Reply:
Danno I think the scrambled order is not an issue as long as the key numbers on the capacitor match its application or match the old one AND as long as you connect the proper wires.
Example start/run capacitor markings
(NOT specifying your particular capacitor)
- Voltage, e.g. 110-125V
- Capacitance, e.g. 189-227 uF or micro Farads or MFD (Start capacitors usually are over 60 uF)
- Capacitance, e.g. for a dual run capacitor: 35/5 refers to 35 MFD (for a compressor) and 5 MFD (for a fan motor)
- Temperature range, e.g. -40 - + 65C
- Cycles, e.g. 50-60 Hz
What may be important also in capacitor selection (see our article above for details) is the distinction between
Start capacitor - just used to get the motor spinning from a stop
Run capacitor - keeps the motor spinning
Dual capacitor - combines two capacitors in a single physical device, one to run a higher-amperage motor such as the compressor in an air conditioner compressor/condenser unit, and a second smaller capacitor to run a smaller motor such as the cooling fan motor in the compresor/condenser unit.
Decode a 35/5/440 marking on a motor starting capacitor
Reader Mark (18 June 2014) has given us a helpful and detailed translation of the markings found on start capacitors, repeated here:
Run capacitors: I always was taught that 35/5 was a [dual] run capacitor. 35 is the microfarad rating for the compressor & 5 microfarad was for the fan. (three terminals) not:
Decode a 35/5/440 marking on a motor starting capacitor:
The capacitor you are describing marked 35/5 440 is probably a dual run capacitor.
35/5 : The first two numbers are the capacitance 35 uF (for the compressor) and 5 uF (for the fan motor).
A dual "run capacitor" supports two electric motors, such as in large air conditioner or heat pump units, with both a fan motor and a compressor motor.
It saves space by combining two physical capacitors into one case. The dual capacitor has 3 terminals labeled
"C",
"FAN", and
"HERM", which stand for the Common, Fan, and HERMetically sealed compressor.[5]
440 refers to the ability to run voltages up to 440VAC
Dual run capacitors come in a variety of sizes, depending on the capacitance (µF), such as 40 plus 5 µF, and also the voltage. (Be sure to connect properly to compressor motor, fan motor and common)
A 440 volt capacitor can be used in place of a 370 volt, but not a 370 in place of a 440 volt.[2]
The capacitance must stay the same within 5% of its original value.[2]
Round cylinder-shaped dual run capacitors are commonly used for air conditioning, to help in the starting of the compressor and the condenser fan motor.[2]
An oval dual run capacitor could be used instead of a round capacitor, but the mounting strap should be changed to better fit the oval shape
Watch out: Take a look at the wiring sheet that should be with your capacitor or wiring marked on the device itself to be sure that you are properly connecting the Start and Run wires and you'll be OK.
As we noted in the article above, the dual capacitor terminals may be labeled so that the three leads can be wired correctly:
- S = start wire connector
- R = Run wire connector
- C = common connector
I Still Don't See How to Buy the Right Replacement Start/Run Capacitor
Reader Question: your capacitor advice is all Greek to me
I have a Wayne 1 HP motor used as a utility pump. The capacitor burnt out. It is a rectangle plastic capacitor with two wires coming off of it. The numbers on it are: 30 F /J/250VAC I don’t see a U before the F there are two symbols that look like arrows pointing to the right before the F letter. There is a name on it that says YUHCHANG ( P ) I read you article on how to choose a capacitor still it’s all Greek to me. So what am I looking for?
Thanks for your time, - Anonymous by private email 2016/06/19
Reply: just take the old capacitor to your electrical supplier.
Sorry I wrote in less than clear English. Just take the cap to your local electrical supplier; they'll be able to match it.
For readers whose capacitor has no markings whatsoever, your electrical supplier will want to know the technical details about the capacitor's intended use. Those can be found on the motor data tags for the motor served by the cap.
Also if you can, send me some sharp photos of the cap and its markings and I may be able to comment further. Use the page top or bottom CONTACT link.
Reader follow-up:
Hereps a photo of the capacitor I'm talking about.
OK so we know this is probably just a single-purpose motor-start capacitor, since starting capacitors are most-oftem 125, 165, 250 and 330 volt devices while run capacitors are rated for higher levels like 370 and 440 volts. If it were a dual-purpose capacitor you'd see 3 rather than just 2 terminals.
You'll have no trouble buying a replacement at your local electrical supplier or even from an online supplier. Prices for a motor capacitor start at under $10. U.S.
Ask for a 30 microfarad 250VAC motor start capacitor. Take along the old sick one to show your supplier.
At HOW TO WIRE up a START CAPACITOR we show how to hook up a typical capacitor.
Watch out: Keep me posted on how you do, and work with POWER OFF so you live to tell me.
Question: what is the right start capacitor for the motor shown in this photo?
Could you please point me towards the correct capacitance for a start capacitor that can be connected to the engine presented in the attached picture?
I'm afraid I will install a too high or too low capacitance or voltage capacitor and damage the motor. T.P. by private email 2017/07/14
Reply:
The label reads 16 uf 450V, that's the capacitor that Zhang Qiu Hai Er DianJi You Xian Gong Si the manufacturer specifies for this particular electric motor, apparently model QC.J 01.
Reader follow-up:
Correct, the labels reads 16uF 450V. Is this the capacitance/voltage that I should use for the start capacitor? The 16uF seemed too low compared to the tables you presented in your website.
Reply:
The final Authority on the correct start or run capacitor to use with any motor is of course always the motors manufacturer.
The motor shown looks like a Haier double speed electric motor shown in the photo below, excerpted from haiermotor.en.ec21.com/ where no details nor specification sheets for the motor were found.
Zhangqiu Haier Electromotor Co., Ltd. is a long-established producer of Haier electric motors located in Zhangqiu Economic Development Zone Jinan, Shandong, China and doing business since 1958. The company became a subsidiary of Haier Group in 1998. These motors are used in household appliances such as washing machines, with other motor models used in refrigerators, air conditioners and other equipment.
More information including contact suggestions for repair parts or service are found at HAIER & HAIER AMERICA
...
Continue reading at HOW TO WIRE up a START CAPACITOR or select a topic from closely-related articles below, or see our complete INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES below.
Or see this
Article Series Contents
- MOTOR CAPACITOR TYPES
Suggested citation for this web page
HOW to CHOOSE a START / RUN CAPACITOR at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.
INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to ELECTRICAL INSPECTION & TESTING
Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia
...
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Try the search box below or CONTACT US by email if you cannot find the answer you need at InspectApedia.
Recently-asked questions & answers about how to select the proper start or run motor capacitor are found at CHOOSE a START RUN CAPACITOR FAQs
...
Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia
Use the "Click to Show or Hide FAQs" link just above to see recently-posted questions, comments, replies, try the search box just below, or if you prefer, post a question or comment in the Comments box below and we will respond promptly.
Search the InspectApedia website
Technical Reviewers & References
Click to Show or Hide Citations & References
- Supco, Sealed Unit Parts Company, PO Box 21, 2230 Landmark Place, Allenwood, New Jersey, 08720, Tel: 732-223-6644, 201-449-3300, email: info@supco.com, provided the compressor starting capacitor and packaging information (purchased by the author from an air conditioning parts supplier in New York) - our example uses a Sealed Unit Parts Company Solid State part No. RSC 10 115V starting capacitor which was designed for installation on refrigerators and freezers. See www.supco.com/
- [1] "The E Class Advantage", Supco (op cit), describes the company's advanced start/run capacitor products. Web search 08/04/2011, original source: http://www.supco.com/eclassadvantage.htm Quoting from that article:
The SUPCO E-Class Series comprise the most advanced developments in start device technology:
1. Voltage sensing technology that monitors for motor start (current sensing devices require internal fuse protection).
2. A 2-wire connection that simplifies installation
3. A secondary timing circuit that ensures that the capacitor is not permanently left in the start winding circuit
4. A fully electronic device - minimizing the limitations of mechanical devices and secondary fusing associated with triac devices
5. A start device matched with an appropriately sized capacitor to cover the range of compressors for the intended application (one size does not fit all)The use of compressor start devices results from a need to ensure that a compressor (usually air conditioning) will start under voltage conditions that are less than ideal. As discussed, several options exist in the market to address compressor start concerns. Start devices exist in many forms for specific applications. SUPCO provides a full range of products in all relevant technologies to effectively match the proper start device to the application. Care should be taken to utilize a device that meets the requirements of the job. Extra caution should be observed when employing the "one-size-fits-all" and "a bigger capacitor is better" approach to applying a start device. Consult SUPCO, a manufacturer with a complete product range, to ensure the greatest success in the start device application.
- [2] "Motor Start and Run Capacitors", AFCAP (African Capacitors Limited), web search 08/05/2011, original source: http://www.afcap.co.za/manual/Part2.pdf
- [3] "Kenmore model 580. 75121 room unit air conditioner wiring diagram", Sears Roebuck window air conditioner wiring diagram for a typical room or window air conditioner
- George Fazio, reader, contributed comments on failed starter capacitor diagnosis by noting the bulged capacitor ends. 09/25/2009
- Troubleshooting Compressor Problems," Henry Puzio, Fuel Oil & Oil Heat with Air Conditioning Magazine, June 1993, p. 39
Tom Morris, Engineer, capacitor discussion and correction to the original data. Email to D Friedman 5/29/2006 - Thanks Tom for critical editing. The text above explaining about capacitors was suggested by Mr. Morris. The original text of the 1993 compressor diagnosis article had the resistance explanation backwards. - Thanks to reader Diane McGivney for asking about air conditioner compressor motor starting capacitor costs and typical air conditioner service call fees - (May 2010)
- Thanks to reader James Oiler for reporting on the replacement of a heat pump starter capacitor, August 2010.
Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair
- Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
- Complete List of Air Conditioning & Heat Pump Design, Inspection, Repair Books at the InspectAPedia Bookstore.
- Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, A. D. Althouse, C.H. Turnquist, A. Bracciano, Goodheart-Willcox Co., 1982
- Principles of Refrigeration, R. Warren Marsh, C. Thomas Olivo, Delmar Publishers, 1979
- "Air Conditioning & Refrigeration I & II", BOCES Education, Warren Hilliard (instructor), Poughkeepsie, New York, May - July 1982, [classroom notes from air conditioning and refrigeration maintenance and repair course attended by the website author]
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology, 5th Ed., William C. Whitman, William M. Johnson, John Tomczyk, Cengage Learning, 2005, ISBN 1401837654, 9781401837655 1324 pages
- Air Conditioning SEER - New DOE Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Efficiency Standard
- Asbestos HVAC Ducts and Flues field identification photos and guide
- Fiberglass: Indoor Air Quality Investigations: Fiberglass in Indoor Air, HVAC ducts, and Building Insulation
- ...
-
Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. Tel: (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 Email: info@carsondunlop.com. The firm provides professional home inspection services & home inspection education & publications. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors. Thanks to Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, for permission for InspectAPedia to use text excerpts from The Home Reference Book & illustrations from The Illustrated Home. Carson Dunlop Associates' provides extensive home inspection education and report writing material.
- The Illustrated Home illustrates construction details and building components, a reference for owners & inspectors.
Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Illustrated Home purchased as a single order Enter INSPECTAILL in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. - TECHNICAL REFERENCE GUIDE to manufacturer's model and serial number information for heating and cooling equipment, useful for determining the age of heating boilers, furnaces, water heaters is provided by Carson Dunlop, Associates, Toronto - Carson Dunlop Weldon & Associates
Special Offer: Carson Dunlop Associates offers InspectAPedia readers in the U.S.A. a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Technical Reference Guide purchased as a single order. Just enter INSPECTATRG in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
- The Illustrated Home illustrates construction details and building components, a reference for owners & inspectors.
-
The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume.
Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
Or choose the The Home Reference eBook for PCs, Macs, Kindle, iPad, iPhone, or Android Smart Phones.
Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAEHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
Building inspection education & report writing systems from Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd - Commercial Building Inspection Courses - protocol ASTM Standard E 2018-08 for Property Condition Assessments
- Home Inspection Education Courses including home study & live classes at eleven colleges & universities.
- Home Inspection Education Home Study Courses - ASHI@Home Training 10-course program.
Special Offer: Carson Dunlop Associates offers InspectAPedia readers in the U.S.A. a 5% discount on these courses: Enter INSPECTAHITP in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author. - The Horizon Software System manages business operations,scheduling, & inspection report writing using Carson Dunlop's knowledge base & color images. The Horizon system runs on always-available cloud-based software for office computers, laptops, tablets, iPad, Android, & other smartphones
