Why does my pool pump capacitor keep blowing?

It could be the fact that you just have either a bad motor or an old motor. Overtime, the windings or bearings may go bad thus causing the pump to run hot; which, could cause a capacitor to go bad.

How do you match a replacement capacitor?





Any new capacitor should be rated for at least your working voltage. Matching the capacitance is highly desired. Note that the two numbers at the start describe the capacitance of two separate capacitors. One capacitor is 50 pF, while the other is 10 pF.

How long do pool pump capacitors last?

around 5,000 starts

Think – A pool pump capacitor generally has a lifetime rating of around 5,000 starts. While 5,000 sounds like a large number, it can go by very fast. So think about when you got your pump, give it a rough estimate. If you only use your pump once a day, 5,000 start is approximately 10-13 years.

What size run capacitor do I need?

Multiply 0.5 times the square of the voltage. Call this result “x.”. Continuing the example, you have 0.5 times 11.5 volts times 11.5 volts, or 66.1 square volts for “x”. Divide the start-up energy requirement, in joules, of the motor by “x” to arrive at the capacitor size needed in farads.”

How do I choose a capacitor for my motor?





Select a capacitor with a voltage rating at or above the original capacitor. If you’re using a 370 volt capacitor, a 370 or 440 volt one will work. The 440 volt unit will actually last longer. A capacitor will have a marked voltage indicating the accpetable peak voltage, not operational voltage.

Are capacitors universal?

Ultimately, capacitors are universal parts, so shape, size, brand, and other basic factors aren’t exactly important — just remember to get the appropriate voltage and microfarad and you’ll be set.

What happens if you use the wrong size capacitor?

If the wrong run capacitor is installed, the motor will not have an even magnetic field. This will cause the rotor to hesitate at those spots that are uneven. This hesitation will cause the motor to become noisy, increase energy consumption, cause performance to drop, and cause the motor to overheat.

What happens if you put a bigger capacitor on a motor?

A Capacitor that is too large can cause energy consumption to go up. The life of the motor will be shortened if it is too large or too small.

What is the difference between a run capacitor and a start capacitor?



The start capacitor creates a current to voltage lag in the separate start windings of the motor. The current builds up slowly, and the armature has an opportunity to begin rotating with the field of current. A run capacitor uses the charge in the dielectric to boost the current which provides power to the motor.

Can you run an electric motor without a capacitor?

Answer: There are three common types of single-phase motors named capacitor motor, shaded pole motor and split phase motors. Shaded pole and split phase single-phase motors do not require a capacitor to run.

Can I replace a start capacitor with a run capacitor?

The capacitance and voltage ratings would have to match the original start capacitor specification. A start capacitor can never be used as a run capacitor, because it cannot not handle current continuously.

How do I know if I need a run or start capacitor?



AC Capacitors



If you have a faulty run capacitor, your AC system will fail to cool your home properly or efficiently, resulting in wasted energy and money. If you have a faulty start capacitor, your AC may not run at all.

What causes motor capacitors to fail?

Overheating is a primary cause of a failed start capacitor. Start capacitors are not designed to dissipate the heat associated with continuous operation; they are designed to stay in the circuit only momentarily while the motor is starting. If a start capacitor stays in the circuit too long, it will overheat and fail.

How do you replace a pool pump capacitor?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: If the capacitor is located at the end of the pool pump remove the single screw that secures a clip holding the capacitor. Note how the plastic strippers. Position between the clip and the capacitor.

How do you check a motor start capacitor?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: To test a single capacitor. Use a probe to touch one of the terminals. And the second probe to touch the other terminal. The meter needle should deflect toward zero ohms.

How do I know if my motor capacitor is bad?



The 7 Most Common Bad AC Capacitor Symptoms

  1. AC Not Blowing Cold Air. An air conditioner that doesn’t blow cold air is one of the first signs of a problem many homeowners notice. …
  2. High and Rising Energy Bills. …
  3. Humming Noise. …
  4. Old HVAC System. …
  5. AC Turns Off On Its Own. …
  6. AC Doesn’t Turn On Immediately. …
  7. AC Won’t Turn On.


How can you tell if a capacitor is blown?

A busted capacitor can be obviously broken (leaking brownish fluid, corroded, or with the leads severed), but sometimes it’s subtle. The top of a blown capacitor will be slightly bent outwards in a convex shape, rather than flat or slightly indented inwards like a working capacitor.