Changing an AC capacitor is a comparatively easy job that may be accomplished in just a few hours. Nonetheless, you will need to take the required precautions to keep away from electrical shock and different hazards. In case you are not comfy working with electrical energy, it’s best to rent a professional electrician.
Earlier than you start, you will have to assemble the next instruments and supplies:
- New AC capacitor
- Electrical tape
- Screwdriver
- Wire cutters
- Voltmeter
After you have gathered your instruments and supplies, you’ll be able to start the substitute course of. First, flip off the ability 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 ability to the AC unit and examine the operation of the unit. If the AC unit is just not working correctly, examine the connections to the capacitor and the opposite elements 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 soundly disconnect the ability:
1. Find the Electrical Panel
Establish the primary electrical panel, sometimes positioned within the basement, storage, or utility space of your private home. The panel accommodates circuit breakers or fuses that management {the electrical} stream 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 ability is totally disconnected, use a non-contact voltage tester to examine 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 ability 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 might have turned off the ability. Don’t try to open the capacitor casing below any circumstances, as this may increasingly lead to 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 ability outlet or flip off the circuit breaker to make sure there is no such thing as a present flowing to the capacitor.
Step 3: Find the Capacitor
Find the capacitor on the equipment’s circuit board. Establish 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 widespread technique is the “resistor discharge technique.”
| Resistor Discharge Technique |
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One other technique is the “short-circuit discharge technique.”
| Brief-Circuit Discharge Technique |
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Be aware: Watch out when utilizing the short-circuit discharge technique, as it could possibly create a small spark.
Step 5: Double-Test 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 (sometimes 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 ability to the unit.
Earlier than you start any work, you will need to flip off the ability to the air con unit. This may be performed 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 ability is off, you’ll be able to take away the entry panel to the capacitor. This panel is often positioned on the aspect or prime of the unit.
3. Find the capacitor.
The capacitor is a cylindrical-shaped object with two terminals. It’s normally positioned close to the compressor.
4. Discharge the capacitor.
Earlier than you take away the capacitor, you will need to discharge it. This may be performed through the use of a voltmeter to measure the voltage throughout the capacitor. If the voltage is above 50 volts, you’ll be able to 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’ll be able to disconnect the wires from the terminals. You should definitely word which wire goes to which terminal as a way to reconnect them accurately.
6. Take away the capacitor.
As soon as the wires are disconnected, you’ll be able to take away the capacitor from the unit. You should definitely put on gloves when dealing with the capacitor, as it could be sharp.
Extra ideas for eradicating the outdated capacitor:
- If the capacitor is mounted on a bracket, chances are you’ll must take away the bracket earlier than you’ll be able to take away the capacitor.
- If the capacitor is tough to take away, you’ll be able to strive utilizing a pair of pliers to softly pry it unfastened.
- Watch out to not harm the capacitor or the encircling elements when you’re eradicating it.
Putting in the New Capacitor
After you have eliminated the outdated 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 accordance with the markings on the unit.
- Gently insert the brand new capacitor into the slots or bracket the place the outdated one was positioned.
- 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, confer 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 outdated capacitor |
| 4 | Take away outdated capacitor |
| 5 | Set up new capacitor |
| 6 | Activate energy and check |
| 7 | Check with 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 ability 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 forestall harm in the course of the check.
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Find Capacitor
Establish the situation of the capacitor, normally mounted on the aspect or prime of the condensing unit.
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Examine Capacitor
Visually examine the capacitor for any seen harm, equivalent 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
Test 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 desires substitute.
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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 Change Ac Capacitor
An AC capacitor is an digital element that shops electrical vitality in an electrical area. It’s utilized in quite a lot of digital units, 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 together with your air conditioner, you will need to examine the capacitor to see if it must be changed.
To exchange an AC capacitor, you will have to first flip off the ability to the air conditioner. As soon as the ability is off, you’ll be able to take away the entry panel to the capacitor. The capacitor is often positioned close to the compressor. After you have positioned the capacitor, you’ll be able to disconnect the wires which can be linked to it. As soon as the wires are disconnected, you’ll be able to take away the capacitor from the air conditioner.
To put in the brand new capacitor, merely reverse the steps that you simply took to take away the outdated capacitor. As soon as the brand new capacitor is put in, you’ll be able to flip the ability 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 just a few indicators that your AC capacitor could also be unhealthy. These indicators embrace:
- The air conditioner won’t 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 substitute an AC capacitor myself?
Sure, you’ll be able to substitute an AC capacitor your self. Nonetheless, you will need to word that this can be a doubtlessly harmful job. In case you are not comfy working with electrical energy, it’s best to rent a professional electrician to do the job for you.
How a lot does it price to interchange an AC capacitor?
The price to interchange an AC capacitor will fluctuate relying on the kind of capacitor that you simply want and the labor prices in your space. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to anticipate to pay between $50 and $200 for the capacitor and labor.
