Run Capacitor Facts You May Not Know

In this episode, we cover some common misconceptions about run capacitors, some easy ways to test them, and some tips on working with them.

A run capacitor is a power storage device; it contains oil to dissipate heat and some thin metal plates wrapped in a spiral. Capacitors also contain plastic insulation between the metal plates to keep the power separate; electrons should NOT cross the insulation, and there should be a charge difference between the plates. Current also does NOT flow through the capacitor; capacitors merely store and discharge power.

Capacitors also do NOT boost voltage. You may notice higher voltage between terminals, but the capacitor is not involved in that voltage boost. You see that voltage increase because of the inductive motor's back EMF. Back EMF only occurs on systems with a running motor.

On a single-phase PSC application, the run winding is the primary, and the start winding is the secondary. A run capacitor that is too large will draw more current on the start winding. You may see a slight drop in overall amperage on the common wire, but large capacitors increase the current on the secondary winding. The start winding is not designed to carry excess current.

Connecting capacitors in series REDUCES capacitance. Therefore, most of the time, we connect capacitors in parallel. Many electrical circuits nowadays are connected in parallel (compare to Christmas lights, which are connected in series).

Bryan also covers:

• Capacitor basics (terminals, microfarads, etc.)
• "Common" confusion
• Capacitance and current relationship
• Start capacitors and potential relays
• Hard start kits
• PTCR products
• Series vs. parallel capacitors
• Testing capacitors (in the circuit, under load, with a capacitor tester, etc.)
• Calculating capacitance and evaluating capacitance ratings

 

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