Changing an AC capacitor is a comparatively easy process that may be accomplished in a number of hours. Nevertheless, you will need to take the required precautions to keep away from electrical shock and different hazards. In case you are not snug working with electrical energy, it’s best to rent a certified electrician.
Earlier than you start, you will want to assemble the next instruments and supplies:
- New AC capacitor
- Electrical tape
- Screwdriver
- Wire cutters
- Voltmeter
After getting gathered your instruments and supplies, you possibly can start the alternative course of. First, flip off the facility to the AC unit on the breaker field. Subsequent, take away the entry panel to the AC unit. Find the capacitor, which is often a cylindrical-shaped object with two terminals. Disconnect the wires from the capacitor terminals and take away the capacitor from the unit.
Set up the brand new capacitor by connecting the wires to the terminals and securing the capacitor in place. Lastly, activate the facility to the AC unit and verify the operation of the unit. If the AC unit isn’t working correctly, verify the connections to the capacitor and the opposite parts of the unit.
Disconnecting the Energy
Earlier than changing the AC capacitor, it’s essential to make sure {the electrical} circuit is de-energized in your security. Comply with these steps to securely disconnect the facility:
1. Find the Electrical Panel
Determine the primary electrical panel, usually situated within the basement, storage, or utility space of your house. The panel incorporates circuit breakers or fuses that management {the electrical} circulate in your house.
2. Flip Off the Circuit Breaker
Discover the circuit breaker that powers your AC unit and switch it off. Make sure the breaker is absolutely switched to the “OFF” place and that the change doesn’t spring again to the “ON” place.
3. Confirm that Energy is Disconnected
To make sure the facility is totally disconnected, use a non-contact voltage tester to verify the terminals of the capacitor. A voltage tester is a handheld gadget that detects the presence {of electrical} present. If the tester signifies no voltage, the facility is safely disconnected.
| Step | Motion |
|---|---|
| 1 | Find {the electrical} panel. |
| 2 | Flip off the circuit breaker for the AC unit. |
| 3 | Confirm that energy is disconnected utilizing a non-contact voltage tester. |
Discharging the Capacitor
Earlier than you begin engaged on any electrical equipment, it’s crucial to discharge the capacitor, which shops electrical energy even after you will have turned off the facility. Don’t try and open the capacitor casing underneath any circumstances, as this may occasionally end in an electrical shock.
Step 1: Collect Security Gear
Put on insulated gloves and security glasses to guard your self from electrical accidents.
Step 2: Disconnect Energy Supply
Unplug the equipment from the facility outlet or flip off the circuit breaker to make sure there isn’t any present flowing to the capacitor.
Step 3: Find the Capacitor
Find the capacitor on the equipment’s circuit board. Determine the 2 terminals and observe their polarity (if marked).
Step 4: Discharge the Capacitor
There are a number of strategies to discharge a capacitor. One frequent methodology is the “resistor discharge methodology.”
| Resistor Discharge Methodology |
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One other methodology is the “short-circuit discharge methodology.”
| Brief-Circuit Discharge Methodology |
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Be aware: Watch out when utilizing the short-circuit discharge methodology, as it could possibly create a small spark.
Step 5: Double-Examine the Discharge
Use a multimeter or voltage tester to make sure the capacitor has been absolutely discharged. Set the multimeter to measure voltage within the DC vary (usually 200V or larger). Join the probes to the capacitor terminals and observe the studying. If the voltage is lower than 1V, the capacitor is safely discharged.
Eradicating the Previous Capacitor
1. Flip off the facility to the unit.
Earlier than you start any work, you will need to flip off the facility to the air con unit. This may be completed by flipping the breaker that provides energy to the unit, or by turning off the primary electrical panel.
2. Take away the entry panel.
As soon as the facility is off, you possibly can take away the entry panel to the capacitor. This panel is often situated on the aspect or high of the unit.
3. Find the capacitor.
The capacitor is a cylindrical-shaped object with two terminals. It’s normally situated close to the compressor.
4. Discharge the capacitor.
Earlier than you take away the capacitor, you will need to discharge it. This may be completed through the use of a voltmeter to measure the voltage throughout the capacitor. If the voltage is above 50 volts, you possibly can discharge the capacitor by touching the terminals along with a screwdriver.
5. Disconnect the wires from the capacitor.
As soon as the capacitor is discharged, you possibly can disconnect the wires from the terminals. Remember to word which wire goes to which terminal in an effort to reconnect them accurately.
6. Take away the capacitor.
As soon as the wires are disconnected, you possibly can take away the capacitor from the unit. Remember to put on gloves when dealing with the capacitor, as it could be sharp.
Further suggestions for eradicating the previous capacitor:
- If the capacitor is mounted on a bracket, chances are you’ll have to take away the bracket earlier than you possibly can take away the capacitor.
- If the capacitor is tough to take away, you possibly can strive utilizing a pair of pliers to softly pry it free.
- Watch out to not injury the capacitor or the encompassing parts when you’re eradicating it.
Putting in the New Capacitor
After getting eliminated the previous capacitor, it’s time to set up the brand new one. Listed below are the steps:
- Fastidiously deal with the brand new capacitor to keep away from damaging it.
- Orient the capacitor accurately in response to the markings on the unit.
- Gently insert the brand new capacitor into the slots or bracket the place the previous one was situated.
- Safe the capacitor firmly utilizing the mounting screws or clips.
- Join the capacitor terminals to the corresponding wires on the unit. Make sure the wires are securely mounted.
- Double-check all connections to make sure they’re tight and correctly aligned.
- If needed, check with the producer’s directions for particular capacitor mounting and wiring directions.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Collect needed instruments and new capacitor |
| 2 | Flip off energy and discharge capacitor |
| 3 | Find and disconnect previous capacitor |
| 4 | Take away previous capacitor |
| 5 | Set up new capacitor |
| 6 | Activate energy and check |
| 7 | Seek advice from producer’s directions for particular capacitor mounting and wiring directions, if needed |
Testing the Air Conditioner
Earlier than changing the capacitor, it is essential to confirm that the air conditioner is certainly malfunctioning and {that a} defective capacitor is the offender.
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Guarantee Energy is Off
Flip off the facility provide to the air conditioner on the circuit breaker or fuse field.
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Clear Any Particles
Take away any leaves or particles from across the unit to stop injury in the course of the check.
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Find Capacitor
Determine the situation of the capacitor, normally mounted on the aspect or high of the condensing unit.
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Examine Capacitor
Visually examine the capacitor for any seen injury, akin to bulging or leaking.
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Disconnect Capacitor
Utilizing insulated pliers, disconnect the wires linked to the capacitor terminals.
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Set Multimeter to Capacitance
Change the multimeter to the capacitance setting (normally symbolized by a “C”).
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Measure Capacitance
Contact the multimeter probes to the capacitor terminals and word the displayed capacitance worth.
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Evaluate to Rated Capacitance
Examine the capacitor’s rated capacitance, which is often printed on its aspect or label.
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Decide Defective Capacitor
If the measured capacitance considerably deviates from the rated capacitance, the capacitor is probably going defective and wishes alternative.
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Desk: Capacitor Testing Outcomes
Situation Capacitance Studying Good Capacitor Inside 5% of rated capacitance Defective Capacitor Under or considerably above rated capacitance
How To Substitute Ac Capacitor
An AC capacitor is an digital element that shops electrical power in an electrical discipline. It’s utilized in a wide range of digital gadgets, together with air conditioners. Over time, an AC capacitor can fail, which may trigger the air conditioner to cease working. In case you are experiencing issues along with your air conditioner, you will need to verify the capacitor to see if it must be changed.
To exchange an AC capacitor, you will want to first flip off the facility to the air conditioner. As soon as the facility is off, you possibly can take away the entry panel to the capacitor. The capacitor is often situated close to the compressor. After getting situated the capacitor, you possibly can disconnect the wires which might be linked to it. As soon as the wires are disconnected, you possibly can take away the capacitor from the air conditioner.
To put in the brand new capacitor, merely reverse the steps that you just took to take away the previous capacitor. As soon as the brand new capacitor is put in, you possibly can flip the facility again on to the air conditioner. Your air conditioner ought to now be working correctly.
Individuals Additionally Ask
How do I do know if my AC capacitor is unhealthy?
There are a number of indicators that your AC capacitor could also be unhealthy. These indicators embody:
- The air conditioner is not going to activate.
- The air conditioner is making a buzzing noise.
- The air conditioner is blowing heat air.
- The air conditioner is tripping the circuit breaker.
Can I change an AC capacitor myself?
Sure, you possibly can change an AC capacitor your self. Nevertheless, you will need to word that it is a probably harmful process. In case you are not snug working with electrical energy, it’s best to rent a certified electrician to do the job for you.
How a lot does it value to exchange an AC capacitor?
The associated fee to exchange an AC capacitor will range relying on the kind of capacitor that you just want and the labor prices in your space. Nevertheless, you possibly can count on to pay between $50 and $200 for the capacitor and labor.
