How do I find Capacitor rating to start / run Single phase motor

In summary: Yes, the starting capacitor is usually switched out once the armature speed is high enough. If the motor has a starting capacitor as well as a running capacitor then I am sure that the starting capacitor is switched out after a certain RPM.
  • #1
sharper1968
2
0
I am trying to refurbish a 1.1KW single phase motor (1445 RPM) but both start and run capacitors are missing.

How can I calculate what capacitors are required.

Motor is Rated 7.2 A (220 VAC)

Look forward to your help.

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Call an industrial supplier and give them the make/model of the motor. They will set you up. Do you know why these items are missing? There is usually a good reason for it. Something else is wrong with the motor and the 2 capacitors were salvaged?
 
  • #3
Thanks for your reply, which unfortunately is not a lot of help in my circumstances.

I am in Malawi, Central Africa, and "industrial suppliers" are very thin on the ground. Being in Malawi is also the most likely explanation for the capacitors being missing - in Africa if you don't use it you lose it! It is of course possible that the is a problem with the motor, but I have done a few basic tests and I think it is ok. Obviously replacing the capacitors was the best place to start.

Is there not some way to calculate the likely ratings so I at least have somewhere to start with trial and error?

Many thanks.
 
  • #4
I'm sure there is a way to calculate it, or a typical set of guidlines for it. However, I wouldn't know what they are. I DO know that the values will be similar for similar types of motors of a given horsepower rating and voltage. You do realize that you don't need a starting capacitor to do a few basic tests? If you have the running capacitor installed and just leave the starting capacitor out, NOT bypassed, just leave the terminals unhooked, apply power to the motor and manually spin the motor in either direction. The motor should spin up. Of course you haven't tested the starting winding, but you might look into wiring a bunch of light bulbs in parallel with each other but in series with the starting winding (in place of the capacitor). If it does start on it's own, it will not have much starting torque, but it should prove that the starting winding is good if it does spin up on its own.
 
  • #5
Just a note. It's probably not the case here, but I have seen motors where the start windings (and capacitor) get disconnected form the circuit once the armature speed is high enough. The motor has a centrifugal switch on one of its shaft ends.

After some google searching; looks like for a 230vac motor, the start caps are 16-22uF.

Regard
 
  • #6
dlgoff said:
Just a note. It's probably not the case here, but I have seen motors where the start windings (and capacitor) get disconnected form the circuit once the armature speed is high enough. The motor has a centrifugal switch on one of its shaft ends.

After some google searching; looks like for a 230vac motor, the start caps are 16-22uF.

Regard

If the motor has a starting capacitor as well as a running capacitor then I am sure that the starting capacitor is switched out after a certain RPM. I assumed that was a known.
 

1. How do I determine the starting capacitor rating for a single phase motor?

The starting capacitor rating for a single phase motor can be determined by multiplying the motor's rated voltage by its rated current and dividing that value by the motor's rated starting torque. This will give you the required capacitance in farads (F). Alternatively, you can consult the motor's manufacturer for the recommended capacitor rating.

2. What is the purpose of a starting capacitor for a single phase motor?

A starting capacitor is used to provide an extra boost of power to a single phase motor during startup. This helps the motor overcome its initial inertia and reach its rated speed more quickly.

3. Can I use any capacitor for a single phase motor?

No, it is important to use a capacitor that is specifically designed for motor applications. These capacitors are built to withstand the high voltage and current demands of motor starting and have a higher tolerance for temperature fluctuations.

4. Is the capacitor rating the same for starting and running a single phase motor?

No, the starting capacitor rating is typically higher than the running capacitor rating for a single phase motor. This is because the starting capacitor only needs to provide a temporary boost, while the running capacitor needs to maintain a steady current throughout the motor's operation.

5. How do I know if the capacitor rating is correct for my single phase motor?

If the motor struggles to start or runs at a slower speed than usual, it may be a sign that the capacitor rating is incorrect. You can also use a multimeter to measure the current and voltage of the motor while it is running to ensure they are within the manufacturer's specifications.

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