| (31 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| + | =Pump Capacitors= | ||
| + | |||
| + | [https://blog.intheswim.com/understanding-pool-pump-motor-types/ Understanding Pool Pump Motor Types] from intheswim and [https://www.inyopools.com/HowToPage/how-to-identify-pool-motor-types.aspx How To Identify Pool Motor Types] from Inyo Pools are good references to determine the type of motor you have and what you should be looking for. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The [https://www.electricmotorwarehouse.com/content/PDF/pool_motor_manual.pdf A.O. Smith CENTURY POOL & SPA MOTOR MANUAL] can help you install, maintain and troubleshoot Century pool and spa motors that many pool pumps use. It contains details about the motor capacitors, how to test them, and other motor repairs. | ||
| + | |||
A common reason for pumps not starting is failure of the start capacitor. There can be two types of capacitors in a pump - a start capacitor and/or a run capacitor. | A common reason for pumps not starting is failure of the start capacitor. There can be two types of capacitors in a pump - a start capacitor and/or a run capacitor. | ||
| − | Not all motors have run capacitors. The newer VS pumps do not have a start capacitor either. | + | Start capacitors have a range between 108 to 300 mfd or uf. 115 volts is typical for a start capacitor. Capacitors are rated for the maximum voltage that they can handle safely. For a 120/240 volt pump wired for 120 volts, you have two windings in series so that each winding only gets 120 volts and the start capacitor is in parallel with one set of the windings so it only gets 120 volts. |
| + | |||
| + | Run capacitors have a range from 15 to 50 mfd or uf. If your replace a run capacitor replace it with the same value mfd as the orginal was.<ref>http://coralspringspumprepair.com/capsize.html</ref> Under no circumstances should a larger mfd run capacitor be substituted in a motor. It can lead to motor overheating or destruction. | ||
| + | |||
| + | All in ground single speed pumps use a capacitor whether they are 120 or 240.<ref>https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/pool-pump-immediately-trips-breaker-bad-breaker-bad-capacitor-bad-pump.166363/post-1469339</ref> Not all motors have run capacitors. The newer VS pumps do not have a start capacitor either. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Some motors are resistive start and the phase shift in the starter winding is provided by the resistance in the winding.<ref>https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/pool-pump-with-no-capacitor.184140/post-1626882</ref> | ||
The start capacitor is often under the small bump at the top of the motor. Or it can be inside the motor. | The start capacitor is often under the small bump at the top of the motor. Or it can be inside the motor. | ||
| + | [[File:Capacitor bleed resistor.jpg|150px|thumb|Capacitor with Bleed Resistor]] | ||
Some capacitors have a bleed resistor connecting the two prongs. If your capacitor has a bleed resistor it should be moved to the new capacitor.<ref>https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/bad-capacitor.190116/#post-1675177</ref> | Some capacitors have a bleed resistor connecting the two prongs. If your capacitor has a bleed resistor it should be moved to the new capacitor.<ref>https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/bad-capacitor.190116/#post-1675177</ref> | ||
Be careful when handling a capacitor. It can hold a voltage charge for a long time and you can be shocked by it. To drain all the power out of a capacitor you can touch both prongs together with the shaft of an insulated screwdriver. You may get a spark or pop from the current outflow. | Be careful when handling a capacitor. It can hold a voltage charge for a long time and you can be shocked by it. To drain all the power out of a capacitor you can touch both prongs together with the shaft of an insulated screwdriver. You may get a spark or pop from the current outflow. | ||
| + | If the windings are good, a capacitor should discharge through the windings, so there should almost never be a charge, but the safety warning is still valid because there can be times when a capacitor can store a dangerous charge. | ||
| + | |||
| + | If you find that a capacitor is actually charged, the windings are probably bad. | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[File:Pentair Whisperflo Pump Capacitor.jpg|200px|thumb]] | ||
The voltage rating should be at least √2 x the intended voltage. Assuming a maximum voltage of 250 volts, the capacitor minimum rating should be 354 volts. So, 370 volts should be fine. 440V is a better quality capacitor and will last longer, especially under high temperature conditions, but the 370 volt should be fine.<ref>https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/370-v-440-v-run-capacitor.192386/post-1695423</ref> | The voltage rating should be at least √2 x the intended voltage. Assuming a maximum voltage of 250 volts, the capacitor minimum rating should be 354 volts. So, 370 volts should be fine. 440V is a better quality capacitor and will last longer, especially under high temperature conditions, but the 370 volt should be fine.<ref>https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/370-v-440-v-run-capacitor.192386/post-1695423</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5IYE_8m0wM Why Do Capacitors Fail] is a video explaining why motor capacitor quality is not the same as years ago. | ||
It has been reported that many Ace Hardware Stores carry start capacitors if you need something right now.<ref>https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/bad-capacitor.190116/#post-1694317</ref> | It has been reported that many Ace Hardware Stores carry start capacitors if you need something right now.<ref>https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/bad-capacitor.190116/#post-1694317</ref> | ||
| Line 16: | Line 36: | ||
[http://www.inyopools.com/HowToPage/how_to_replace_a_pool_pump_capacitor.aspx?CommentPage=1 How To Replace a Pool Pump Capacitor] | [http://www.inyopools.com/HowToPage/how_to_replace_a_pool_pump_capacitor.aspx?CommentPage=1 How To Replace a Pool Pump Capacitor] | ||
| + | |||
| + | A good thread on a successful pump capacitor replacement is at [https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/solved-pentair-whisperflo-suddenly-quit-working-capacitor.211665/ Pentair Whisperflo Suddenly Quit Working - Capacitor] | ||
==Tips== | ==Tips== | ||
| − | *If it's not the capacitor, it | + | *Get the model number from the capacitor and Google for a replacement or go to a local electric motor repair shop.<ref>https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/pool-pump-immediately-trips-breaker-bad-breaker-bad-capacitor-bad-pump.166363/post-1469379</ref> |
| + | *One spec to not overlook is the capacitor diameter. Many capacitors are 1 3/4 in and that will fit into the capacitor cover on a Pentair centurion pump motor. Many of them come in a 50 mm diameter, which is about 2 inches and this will not fit many motors. | ||
| + | *If it's not the capacitor, it can be a bad centrifugal switch. See [[Pump Centrifugal Switch]] | ||
| + | *The [[Pump Centrifugal Switch]] is supposed to take the capacitor and start winding out of the circuit as soon as the motor rpm gets close to full speed. This should happen in about 2 to 3 seconds. If the capacitor fails after around 3 seconds indicates that it is still in the circuit when it should not be. A start capacitor cannot take continuous voltage for more than a few seconds. The continuous voltage will cause the capacitor to fail. | ||
| + | |||
| + | =How to Test a Capacitor= | ||
| + | Many multimeters can confirm the actual micro-fards of a capacitor. Such as the [https://www.harborfreight.com/electrical/electrician-s-tools/multimeters-testers/dm300-pocket-sized-digital-multimeter-64018.html DM300 Pocket Sized Digital Multimeter]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | When checking the capacitor you need to kill all power to the heat pump/pool equipment by turning off all of the pool equipment circuit breakers. The capacitance setting on the multimeter will look like this.... -l(- . | ||
| + | |||
| + | A capacitor is good if it is within +/- 10% of its labeled rating. A 7.5 mf capacitor should read between 6.75 and 8.25 mf to be considered good although most do not read very much higher than labeled.<ref>https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/has-anyone-ever-replaced-a-motor-on-a-jandy-ae-ti-heat-pump.193639/post-1710481</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | =Pump Blowing Capacitor Checklist= | ||
| + | |||
| + | *Is it a start capacitor or a run capacitor? | ||
| + | *If it’s a run capacitor, you can use a 440 volt rated capacitor instead of a 370 volt rated capacitor and that will help. | ||
| + | *Make sure that a run capacitor says “10000 AFC Protected”. | ||
| + | *If it’s a start capacitor, it might be staying in the circuit too long. | ||
| + | *Check the voltage, current and power factor on the pump during operation. | ||
| + | *Is the pump getting excessively hot? | ||
| + | *What is the motor shell temperature? | ||
| + | |||
| + | =Pump Capacitor Specifications= | ||
| + | |||
| + | *You can take a higher voltage, but not a lower one. | ||
| + | *Tolerance should be same or lower. | ||
| + | *Critical measures are: capacitance (30uF), frequency (50/60Hz), working voltage (370VAC). | ||
| + | *For example a capacitor can be 370VAC, with a max voltage of 450VAC. That basically means it's rated for a range of voltages. | ||
| + | *With 240VAC they spec a capacitor that can operate up to 150% of that to accommodate line surges and the like. | ||
| + | *A capacitor rated at a maximum of 450VAC means it will be a bit more tolerant (less "explody") with higher line surges. | ||
| + | *One spec to not overlook is the capacitor diameter. Many capacitors are 1 3/4 in and that will fit into the capacitor cover on a Pentair centurion pump motor. Many of them come in a 50 mm diameter, which is about 2 inches and this will not fit many motors. | ||
| + | *These days, large electrolytics have a mechanical design that will allow them to swell, then pop an overpressure feature in the case rather than explode (still can explode, just less likely). | ||
| + | |||
| + | =Century Motor Date of Manufacture= | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[File:Century Motor Date of Manufacture Code.png|thumb]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | . | ||
Latest revision as of 15:53, 4 November 2023
Pump Capacitors
Understanding Pool Pump Motor Types from intheswim and How To Identify Pool Motor Types from Inyo Pools are good references to determine the type of motor you have and what you should be looking for.
The A.O. Smith CENTURY POOL & SPA MOTOR MANUAL can help you install, maintain and troubleshoot Century pool and spa motors that many pool pumps use. It contains details about the motor capacitors, how to test them, and other motor repairs.
A common reason for pumps not starting is failure of the start capacitor. There can be two types of capacitors in a pump - a start capacitor and/or a run capacitor.
Start capacitors have a range between 108 to 300 mfd or uf. 115 volts is typical for a start capacitor. Capacitors are rated for the maximum voltage that they can handle safely. For a 120/240 volt pump wired for 120 volts, you have two windings in series so that each winding only gets 120 volts and the start capacitor is in parallel with one set of the windings so it only gets 120 volts.
Run capacitors have a range from 15 to 50 mfd or uf. If your replace a run capacitor replace it with the same value mfd as the orginal was.[1] Under no circumstances should a larger mfd run capacitor be substituted in a motor. It can lead to motor overheating or destruction.
All in ground single speed pumps use a capacitor whether they are 120 or 240.[2] Not all motors have run capacitors. The newer VS pumps do not have a start capacitor either.
Some motors are resistive start and the phase shift in the starter winding is provided by the resistance in the winding.[3]
The start capacitor is often under the small bump at the top of the motor. Or it can be inside the motor.
Some capacitors have a bleed resistor connecting the two prongs. If your capacitor has a bleed resistor it should be moved to the new capacitor.[4]
Be careful when handling a capacitor. It can hold a voltage charge for a long time and you can be shocked by it. To drain all the power out of a capacitor you can touch both prongs together with the shaft of an insulated screwdriver. You may get a spark or pop from the current outflow.
If the windings are good, a capacitor should discharge through the windings, so there should almost never be a charge, but the safety warning is still valid because there can be times when a capacitor can store a dangerous charge.
If you find that a capacitor is actually charged, the windings are probably bad.
The voltage rating should be at least √2 x the intended voltage. Assuming a maximum voltage of 250 volts, the capacitor minimum rating should be 354 volts. So, 370 volts should be fine. 440V is a better quality capacitor and will last longer, especially under high temperature conditions, but the 370 volt should be fine.[5]
Why Do Capacitors Fail is a video explaining why motor capacitor quality is not the same as years ago.
It has been reported that many Ace Hardware Stores carry start capacitors if you need something right now.[6]
How To Select the Right Capacitor For Your Pool Pump Motor
How To Replace a Pool Pump Capacitor
A good thread on a successful pump capacitor replacement is at Pentair Whisperflo Suddenly Quit Working - Capacitor
Tips
- Get the model number from the capacitor and Google for a replacement or go to a local electric motor repair shop.[7]
- One spec to not overlook is the capacitor diameter. Many capacitors are 1 3/4 in and that will fit into the capacitor cover on a Pentair centurion pump motor. Many of them come in a 50 mm diameter, which is about 2 inches and this will not fit many motors.
- If it's not the capacitor, it can be a bad centrifugal switch. See Pump Centrifugal Switch
- The Pump Centrifugal Switch is supposed to take the capacitor and start winding out of the circuit as soon as the motor rpm gets close to full speed. This should happen in about 2 to 3 seconds. If the capacitor fails after around 3 seconds indicates that it is still in the circuit when it should not be. A start capacitor cannot take continuous voltage for more than a few seconds. The continuous voltage will cause the capacitor to fail.
How to Test a Capacitor
Many multimeters can confirm the actual micro-fards of a capacitor. Such as the DM300 Pocket Sized Digital Multimeter.
When checking the capacitor you need to kill all power to the heat pump/pool equipment by turning off all of the pool equipment circuit breakers. The capacitance setting on the multimeter will look like this.... -l(- .
A capacitor is good if it is within +/- 10% of its labeled rating. A 7.5 mf capacitor should read between 6.75 and 8.25 mf to be considered good although most do not read very much higher than labeled.[8]
Pump Blowing Capacitor Checklist
- Is it a start capacitor or a run capacitor?
- If it’s a run capacitor, you can use a 440 volt rated capacitor instead of a 370 volt rated capacitor and that will help.
- Make sure that a run capacitor says “10000 AFC Protected”.
- If it’s a start capacitor, it might be staying in the circuit too long.
- Check the voltage, current and power factor on the pump during operation.
- Is the pump getting excessively hot?
- What is the motor shell temperature?
Pump Capacitor Specifications
- You can take a higher voltage, but not a lower one.
- Tolerance should be same or lower.
- Critical measures are: capacitance (30uF), frequency (50/60Hz), working voltage (370VAC).
- For example a capacitor can be 370VAC, with a max voltage of 450VAC. That basically means it's rated for a range of voltages.
- With 240VAC they spec a capacitor that can operate up to 150% of that to accommodate line surges and the like.
- A capacitor rated at a maximum of 450VAC means it will be a bit more tolerant (less "explody") with higher line surges.
- One spec to not overlook is the capacitor diameter. Many capacitors are 1 3/4 in and that will fit into the capacitor cover on a Pentair centurion pump motor. Many of them come in a 50 mm diameter, which is about 2 inches and this will not fit many motors.
- These days, large electrolytics have a mechanical design that will allow them to swell, then pop an overpressure feature in the case rather than explode (still can explode, just less likely).
Century Motor Date of Manufacture
.
- ↑ http://coralspringspumprepair.com/capsize.html
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/pool-pump-immediately-trips-breaker-bad-breaker-bad-capacitor-bad-pump.166363/post-1469339
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/pool-pump-with-no-capacitor.184140/post-1626882
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/bad-capacitor.190116/#post-1675177
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/370-v-440-v-run-capacitor.192386/post-1695423
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/bad-capacitor.190116/#post-1694317
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/pool-pump-immediately-trips-breaker-bad-breaker-bad-capacitor-bad-pump.166363/post-1469379
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/has-anyone-ever-replaced-a-motor-on-a-jandy-ae-ti-heat-pump.193639/post-1710481
