Author Topic: Run capacitor testing  (Read 6325 times)

Offline bonneyman

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Run capacitor testing
« on: April 27, 2019, 07:23:14 PM »
Guys, getting alot of questions on forums and in the real world about motor run capacitors going bad. I did a long write-up on the old GG pages. Probably need to reproduce that here with updates.
Capacitors are electricity storing devices used with A/C motors to help them start easier and run more efficiently. (Some motors have separate start and run capacitors, others use a run cap for both jobs if the needed starting torque isn't too high). Start caps are only used intermittently, so typically don't overheat as a rule unless the relay that controls them sticks. For our discussion I'll be talking about motor run caps.
They have to be precisely matched to the particular motor they were designed for. Hence, all the different ratings. Normal manufacturing processes as they are running thousands of caps a day off the assembly line means that not every capacitor is going to be exactly the rating printed on the outside. So, they design them with a manufacturing tolerance. It used to be + or - 10%, now it's more like 5-6%.
Part of typical HVAC servicing now is checking the run caps. Many techs use an electronic tester that you touch the two terminals on the cap - with power off and leads disconnected - to see what the caps rating is. Compared to the nameplate determines if you replace it or not. So, a 35 MFD cap (according to the old tolerance) allowed for a 3.5 MFD drop and still be acceptable - i.e. a measured rating of 31.5 MFD or higher would "pass". (I've never seen a capacitor fail high on amps, nor have I ever found one above nameplate rating, so, for this discussion I'll ignore that possibility).
One of the main reasons for run caps "losing" capacitance over time is heat. There's something called "back EMF" in an electric motor, part of the design characteristics whenever motors are used. The back EMF or voltage is much higher than the applied (forward) voltage. A 110 volt window AC might develop 250 volts back emf, a 220 volt residential unit could develop 400 volts back emf. The run capacitor(s) is exposed to this voltage while doing its job, and is usually filled with a thermally stable oil to absorb this heat produced and maintain the insulative qualities.

But testing an electrical device statically like this might not be the most accurate way. I mean, it's going to be under load during all of it's operating life - shouldn't we check it under those conditions? I started doing it, and to my surprise I found a substantial number of run caps that were under rated while loaded and running that PASSED the static test.
Just last week I taught a younger tech this method. He tested the dual run cap (nameplate had 35 MFD listed for the comp part) with his tester and got 33.4 MFD. Not bad - he was going to pass it. I said, lets try the loaded method. Dang if the thing only read 28.6 MFD while loaded! So, he R&R the thing.
Heck, the nameplate said it had a 6% tolerance - that's a 2.1 MFD acceptable drop, for a minimum of 32.9 MFD to pass. We were dang close to that (33.4 MFD) unloaded!

Here's a article that outlines the procedure and reasoning:

https://hvacrschool.com/testing-run-capacitors-smart-easy-way/

https://www.achrnews.com/articles/135163-testing-the-run-capacitor-while-the-system-is-running
« Last Edit: April 28, 2019, 07:01:02 PM by bonneyman »

Offline bonneyman

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Re: Run Capacitor testing
« Reply #1 on: April 27, 2019, 07:25:59 PM »
One good thing about using the loaded test method is you don't have to have a special tester (or capacitor check function on your meter) to do it. A normal clamp meter will work. Start the unit, let the system stabilize, then check the amp draw on the wires followed by checking the voltage. Most cell phones have a calculator, so, go to it!
If you get tired of doing the calculations they do make printed charts where one can determine the MFD at a glance as the chart maker has done all the math for you.

Here's the one I use. I enlarged it on a copier machine and had them thickly laminate it for easy carry.

https://ows.rectorseal.com/product-data/ks1-96506/TrueRunCapTest.jpg
« Last Edit: April 28, 2019, 06:57:41 PM by bonneyman »

Offline bonneyman

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Re: Capacitor testing
« Reply #2 on: April 27, 2019, 08:30:53 PM »
Been reading some posts on other forums, and someone said they didn't really see any big difference in operating characteristics until the cap lost about 50%. IDK about that.

Offline bmwrd0

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Re: Capacitor testing
« Reply #3 on: April 28, 2019, 05:43:46 PM »
Are you talking start caps or run caps, B-man? I am guessing that a start cap only needs that rating at LRA but not during regular load, so checking it under that load wouldn't tell you anything, as it is out of the loop once the start switch is disengaged. Or am I too far out of being a tech?


Offline bonneyman

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Re: Run Capacitor testing
« Reply #4 on: April 28, 2019, 06:53:41 PM »
Are you talking start caps or run caps, B-man? I am guessing that a start cap only needs that rating at LRA but not during regular load, so checking it under that load wouldn't tell you anything, as it is out of the loop once the start switch is disengaged. Or am I too far out of being a tech?

Run caps. Sorry, I guess I should have been clearer. I'll edit the post to clarify that.
« Last Edit: April 28, 2019, 06:57:53 PM by bonneyman »

Offline Matt_T

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Re: Capacitor testing
« Reply #5 on: April 29, 2019, 03:26:59 AM »
Been reading some posts on other forums, and someone said they didn't really see any big difference in operating characteristics until the cap lost about 50%. IDK about that.

50% sounds a bit much but I have substituted caps before with the closest I could get with no problems. You're also in a worst case climate for compressor motors. What'll be noticeable in your area wouldn't be in areas where highs don't get north of the mid 90s.

And FWIW I wouldn't change a cap out at 80% of nominal because it'll cause a problem right now. I'd change it because the fact it's down to 80% shows that its on it's way out.

Offline bonneyman

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Re: Capacitor testing
« Reply #6 on: April 29, 2019, 03:12:30 PM »
Been reading some posts on other forums, and someone said they didn't really see any big difference in operating characteristics until the cap lost about 50%. IDK about that.

50% sounds a bit much but I have substituted caps before with the closest I could get with no problems. You're also in a worst case climate for compressor motors. What'll be noticeable in your area wouldn't be in areas where highs don't get north of the mid 90s.

And FWIW I wouldn't change a cap out at 80% of nominal because it'll cause a problem right now. I'd change it because the fact it's down to 80% shows that its on it's way out.

Yeah, the guy who made the claim didn't offer any facts or parameters (if he himself had hands on experience with this). Since I'm not a member of that particular forum I can't PM the guy and ask for clarification.
I tend to think modern compressors (and PSC motors in general) are more susceptible to out of spec capacitance as they are designed so close to the margin that there's no room for variance. Just huffing a compressor up a ladder reveals how much lighter they are nowadays. Windings, insulation, bearings, casing - I know they're cutting corners. Heck it used to be compressors would tolerate up to 10% under voltage without lasting issues. I wouldn't expose a new comp to that.
Back in the day compressor run capacitors were the size of 3 pound coffee cans - now the same MFD's fits in the palm of your hand. I guess they call that progress.

Offline Mikebaker1129

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Re: Run capacitor testing
« Reply #7 on: May 06, 2019, 07:06:24 PM »
Bman
I have noticed run caps fail today far more often than they use to.
I am not sure if it is that most mfrs use Chinese capacitors made to a price point or a technology change,they use to be made containing PCB's .
Here in Houston triple digit teens will cause many capacitors to explode like a beer left in the freezer too long.
Supply houses will be out of the common sizes.
I personally keep a USA made Packard Titan for my unit and the unit for my Mom's house.
You know it will happen after the supply house is closed on a weekend!

Offline bonneyman

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Re: Run capacitor testing
« Reply #8 on: May 07, 2019, 11:34:42 AM »
Bman
I have noticed run caps fail today far more often than they use to.
I am not sure if it is that most mfrs use Chinese capacitors made to a price point or a technology change,they use to be made containing PCB's .
Here in Houston triple digit teens will cause many capacitors to explode like a beer left in the freezer too long.
Supply houses will be out of the common sizes.
I personally keep a USA made Packard Titan for my unit and the unit for my Mom's house.
You know it will happen after the supply house is closed on a weekend!

They had a run of bad caps from about 2006 to 2010. I think - stretching my recollection here - it was result of a major Taiwanese manufacturer using a corrosive chemical in their oil and it made them go bad prematurely. Took some years to track it down, as they made alot of caps and everyone slapped their own label on it. But I think we're through that bad run today.
I started using the AMRAD multi-tap capacitor. Carried 2 or 3 on the truck, and when a compressor capacitor went bad I replaced it with an AMRAD. They were alot more expensive (wholesale of $55-60 rather than $15 for a regular dual) but I didn't have to carry a slew of different sizes and I could guarantee my jobs. Now with "regular" caps more than double that cost - last time I bought one it was $35 my cost - I think it was the right thing to do.
Now all my inventory is homebound to keep my rear cool on a Saturday!  :))

Offline Mikebaker1129

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Re: Run capacitor testing
« Reply #9 on: June 20, 2019, 05:12:09 PM »
I try to only purchased "Titan" capacitors made by Packard. They are made in the USA and cost a buck or 2 more than the Chinese crap, but they do seen to hold up a lot better!

Offline Jamesyarbrough

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Re: Run capacitor testing
« Reply #10 on: August 29, 2019, 01:35:10 PM »
I like the american mars and american trade pro (both mars). 
I also utilize the running test method. You gotta have a true rms meter tho or the readings get off.
Still pretty easy amps ÷ volts × 2650.