Interesting Fact About Capacitor Start Induction Motors

[@GeoffBernard]

It does this because on an inductance motor, there is a magnetic rotor surrounded by a wire coil. The AC voltage makes the coil an electromagnet. With single phase AC, you need a second slightly out-of-phase AC wave to induce circulation of the rotor. Without the start cap, there is no second out-of-phase AC wave, so no rotation. Once you turn the shaft (connected to the rotor), it causes a rotation in the coil of its magnetic field. That's why you can rotate to start either way. Most motors are optimized to run in an certain direction, that's why the start capacitor wants to rotate it counter clock wise; Thanks for posting the interesting demo video!

[@jerrygriffith814]

Finally! Someone who understands that a motor can run backwards if the capacitor is bad (that's why the capacitor exists - to get the motor running in the correct direction).Thanks for the video - well done, Sir!

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

+jerrygriffith814 I hear ya! yeah it will. Your welcome, thanks for watching!!!

[@mikecampbell4371]

i love you man thank you so much for this video!!! i just took the fan you helped me create and attached it to a mini fridge that i repurposed as a cooler or ice box and made a mini ac like what you see people do with a small fan and a typical cooler or 5 gal bucket. again thank you so much and congrats on your 100th video!!!!!

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

+Mike Campbell haha I hear ya! I hear ya, I've thought of doing something like that but never did. Your welcome, thanks! I'm getting close to 200 videos now! Thanks for Watching!!!

[@MarkBeattie]

Thanks for sharing this, I was able to use this technique to determine that the reason the fan in my kitchen range hood had stopped working was because the capacitor had failed, not because the motor was faulty by manually cranking it and confirming that it spun up.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Glad to help out. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@magnum3282]

Straight-forward, informative video with good camera work. I've taken fan motors (squirrel cages) out of furnaces and built air-movers for my interior construction sites and never paid attention to the job of the capacitor. Solid demonstration.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Appreciate that! I hear ya! Thanks for Watching!!!

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

i'll check it out, thanks. and thanks for watching!!!

[@HarmonyTurbines]

What if you have it up to speed running in reverse without the capacitor, then touch the capacitor like you were doing when it was running forward. What would that do? I'm asking because I'd like to set my drill press to be able to run in either direction but obviously even as you observe, it's best to allow the run capacitor to stay in the mix.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Not sure what it would never tried it, it might pick up speed and run normal, not real sure. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@Offshoreorganbuilder]

We have an industrial stand drill with a 3/4 h.p. motor. The motor has a capacitor start. Usually, it starts fine and runs normally, but just occasionally it will fail to spin and motor just hums. Because of this, anyone who uses the drill has become used to giving it a twist, just before pressing the start button. Any suggestions as to the cause of the problem? Is it likely that we are doing any harm to the motor? (We've been using it for over 30 years!) Thanks. (Love the videos!)

[@spelunkerd]

If you put the start cap in series with the run windings, letting the start windings directly attach to power, will the motor run backwards for a while? That way, the run windings will be lagging out of phase with the start....

[@highspeedgaz]

Great video , well explained with out getting too much bog down with complex details,

[@randytorboli]

I wonder if you turn a dryer drum backwards if the motor will actually turn in the opposite direction because they have the centrifugal switch in them

[@johnhouston258]

you,r right. it,s good to know what a start cap is and what it does.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Thanks for Watching!!!

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

that would make a good video! I just put it on my list, thanks for the tip, can't promise when i'll have it up but it is on my list! thanks for watching!!!

[@captkirkconnell]

Good info about these motors. Im working with and around these motors all the time. This is good to know all this.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

+Kelly Wes Kirkconnell I hear ya! Thanks for Watching!!!

[@joanwise7442]

+fnaguitarplayer9i live in a mobile home i bought a capacitor put it on the motor and it still not working can you buy a bad one and the one i was sold was shorter than the one taken off

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

+Joan Wise It is possible to get a bad one, but as long as the specs are the same the size of it doesn't matter so much, it sounds like the motor may be damaged itself, if it ran for a long time with a bad capacitor it really stresses the windings. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@JunkworksGarage]

is this a specific cap or would one from a microwave work it looks identical to ones i pull out of microwaves thanks

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

sam witwiky Yeah, it has to be a motor run capacitor, anything else won't take the abuse that they go through, most microwave caps are lower capacitance anyways, and much higher voltage rating. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@JunkworksGarage]

thanks

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Your welcome!

[@valveman12]

I disconnected the cap, turned on the bandsaw and it hummed. I then turned the motor but it would not start. Next i reconnected the cap and turned on the bandsaw and it ran like normal. I then disconnected the cap while running and the motor slowed down a bit. Reconnected and it sped back up so I think I have a run capacitor. The cap is CBB60 SH 16uF @ 240VAC. My understanding is start caps have a range of capacitance marked on them. So what do you think? Thank you

[@valveman12]

Thank you for your help and suggestions. I will give it a go.

[@tallll70]

Thats right, as somebody said below, it's run capacitor, motor will burn if you'll run it without that as well. You can confirm that by checking draw. If cap is too small or not there and you just spin it to go, it will run slow and weak and overamp eventually burn winding. Start capacitors include potential relay, used alot to help reciprocating compressors start.

[@valveman12]

I have a small bandsaw 8" and I'm trying to figure out if the cap is a run or start cap. I want to add a speed controller but if it's a starting cap, then I can't. The value is 16uF @ 240VAC. The cap case is black and it looks like it is a starting cap but my understanding is starting caps have a much higher capacitance. The motor is a small 2.7A motor about 0.2HP. Any thoughts on this?

[@cozydram1]

Did you make a vid on wiring the fan up? I wired mine up but my speed controller only does one speed on all ie:- slow , med and hi what have I done wrong?.......I'm new to this style of wiring but so far have enjoyed learning a little about it.... Please advice

[@dangerousdan4184]

The motor will run the same speed on all settings if there is no load on it. The different speeds really only make the motor weaker, and the load from the fan is what slows it down.

[@samehdarawshi3537]

hi philcould you give me please wiring diagram of the capacitor? do you have 6 wires? as for power' I heared that speed controller could decrease momentum in some motors and also heat up coils. I am planning on using pulleys with different sizes to get my different speeds without affecting the "natural buildup" of the motor.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

yeah, i'll make it as simple as possible! I did do a video talking about how to use multi meters, i think i briefly talked about checking capacitance, but i didn't talk about when they need replaced or anything like that, but you might want to take a look at that video, its a older video i did, i'll pm it to you in a message...

[@lucrebrazzi4069]

I had been running a tiny table top belt sander built around a one eighth horse power fan motor. When I added the cap the motor would only start in the wrong direction I needed it to. Ideas?

[@alanjackson7560]

I've recently purchased an Engineer's lathe which runs off what the manufacturers describe as a 'Powerful Capacitor Motor'but i have my doubts,as it just doesn't sound as robust as some of my other workshop machines.Would it be possible to replace the existing motor with a more powerful one?(I am happy with the lathes other qualities,such as the accuracy of the ways)

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

+Alan Jackson I hear ya, I've never heard of that before, unless they mean capacitor run or start. I don't see why you couldn't change them out, most of the time the only possible problems would be mounting, a new one may mount different, or may have a different size shaft or something like that, that usually can be worked around. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@samehdarawshi3537]

could you give us updates for the lathe project? I am planning on building one with washing machine induction motor. thanks

[@tonyking1098]

my old blow wheel used to make vibe noise from unbalance and very heavy dust build up. I replaced the wheel but now I notice i don't hear it kick in to turbo anymore and my cooling is down a bit. all wires are hooked up as they were thanks to pre work pic of capacitor. I did not know about discharging, could this play role in burning up cap.?

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Tony King It could be a bad capacitor doing that, it wouldn't be from not discharging it though, that is just for safety all that does. Try replacing and see, or test it first if you have a meter to test capacitance. Thanks for watching!!!

[@leeisenberg]

Super easy motor fix: if you have 1 that doesn't start by itself, doesn't run well, or won't even hit a lick, find out if it has brushes. Then try to find some anti-oxidation/conductive grease in your shop or hardware store. Put it on the brushes with an old tooth brush, & see if that helps. I've fixed 2 motors that seemed hopeless, with that type of grease. The kind I have is called ' OxGard '. Take care, Lee from TN.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Are you talking about the No-Ox stuff that you use on aluminum wire? If so i have quite a bit of that, i'll have to try this out sometime!! Thanks for the tip! Thanks for Watching!!!

[@leeisenberg]

fnaguitarplayer9 Hey no problem man. Your No-Ox stuff sounds very similar to the stuff I've got. Who sells it? Its worth a try, I'm about to try to fix a couple of electric die grinders with it. I'm tellin' ya' dude, my dad's 2 HP table saw would Not hit a lick, put that stuff on the brushes, runs fine now. The 'offshoreorganbuilder' a few comments below should give it a try, but he also might need a new capacitor. What area do you live in? Take care, Lee.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Probably is similar, I find it at lowes, its in a bottle kind of like wood glue comes in. That stuff is messy haha Yeah it might help. I'm in West Vrigina, US

[@highspeedgaz]

This is not a universal motor , no commutator or brushes, It has a squirrel type rotor .

[@leeisenberg]

@@highspeedgaz Oh okay, I've heard of them, but never really worked on 1. 3 phase?

[@cesarl75]

Thank you for the video. I was wondering if you would be able to provide some advise on a porter cable table saw electric motor that runs without the blade, but as soon as I mount the blade it does not run. Any advise would be appreciate it. Thank you

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Your welcome! That sounds like either a weak starting winding and/or a bad or weak capacitor causing that. The motor has enough torque to start itself, but not with any load being applied. If it has a capacitor, i'd check that first, if it doesn't then i'd say its in the windings. Your welcome, thanks for watching!!!

[@boreed5734]

I recently acquired a system very similar to what u just showed, it don't have a power switch although it has that box housing with wires protruding out of it, also it has no capacitor. I need to get it up and running, it's all about wiring everything correctly. So I needed to see more wiring schematics from the power switch perspective.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

I have another video that goes into more detail on this setup. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aafahqKla7yWsKc Thanks for Watching!!!

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

thanks, same to you! thanks for watching!!!

[@valveman12]

I enjoyed your video. The cap in the motor is a run cap and not a starting cap? What I mean is this motor does not have a centrifugal switch that switches out the start cap and start winding?

[@aquazulu]

Keep them coming professor. Nice show and tell. I have a couple of expensive well pumps I took off line because of no run. Plan to take a closer look at them soon. How do you test to determine a faulty/burnt winding?..

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

I'm no professor haha Heard that, what i do is measure resistance between the wires feeding it (disconnected of course) this usually only determines if there is a open winding, because the resistance is so low it will almost read like a short. I'm no expert on testing motors but that gives you a idea, it will also test the start windings, especially if it has the centrifugal switch in it. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@lewiemcneely9143]

I still haven't tried my belt drive yet. Been getting a wood splitter going and between waiting on parts and straightening out and cleaning up I've been a busy lad. But it's almost done now so maybe I can play catch up. Take care!

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

I hear ya! I know how easy it is to have to many projects going on. I don't have much time anymore to do things like i used to. You too, thanks for watching!

[@lewiemcneely9143]

fnaguitarplayer9 10/4 and it gets more interesting as time flies on! Take Care!

[@NOBOX7]

thanks a million for posting this

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

your welcome! Thanks for Watching!!!

[@NOBOX7]

fnaguitarplayer9 you corroborated a hunch we had . we was thinking at first we had the wrong oil in are vacuum pump and it was hard starting but we then leaned to bad cap, and your video shows exactly what we seen and we solved the problem .

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

I hear ya, glad my video helped you out.

[@modoc852]

this type of motor is called a perm-split capacitor motor,the 'run' cap.is connected between the start and run windings.older models were usually of a fixed direction,replacement motors are sometimes equipped with motor leads brought out to an external terminal for different speeds and direction of rotation, for use in several different applications. one thing to note....some people like to use these squirrel cage fans for cooling a shop ,garage,or barn but remember these direct drive fans will not run very long before the motor overheats and shuts down.these fans require some back pressure to operate correctly so remember to block off some(about 1/4) of the air discharge opening.the belt drive models are better suited for air movement purposes because they are quieter,run at a slower speed and do not require blocking some of the discharge to operate correctly.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

modoc That sounds about right, i'm actually a journeyman electrician, i need to freshen up on motor terminology haha Thats what i use that one i show in the video for all the time, i've never had it over heat, i had the capacitor go bad on it, it almost blew up. I'll keep that in mind if it ever overheats. But i've ran it for 8+ hours with no problem. But i also don't usually run it at the highest speed, usually the medium low speed is what i use. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@alchemy1]

One more interesting fact you can add to your experiment. If you take your motor out, clean it really good and lube the bearings very nice. Make sure it is nice and in good shape. If you run your motor few times and the weather is not freezing cold, you won't need the capacitor or your hand to keep it going. You simply plug it in and watch it take off. How you may wonder. It is due to residual magnetic field that stays in the system ( the laminated iron cores in the coils) from previous runs. As you know when you run current through coils of wires, the coil become a magnet exactly with north and south. With the laminate iron core within and surrounding the coils, the iron core becomes magnet and retains the magnetism. It is no different than when you rub a screwdriver to a magnet, the screwdriver also becomes a magnet and retains the magnetism after you remove the magnet away from it. Exactly the same thing happens in motors. With the starting coils being at 90 degrees to main running coils, there is enough magnetic field in the start coils that interacts with the current through the main coils that will induce current in the armature. As armature fights back with opposite polarity becoming its own magnet and that is when you the action. The action translated to motion. . You get the idea if you understand what causes an armature to turn in the first. It is the changing magnetic field. Unlike universal motors, the induction motor needs a little extra help to get the ball rolling. Generators and alternators are designed to maintain this residual magnetism far longer and that is how they function. If they sit around too long, then they also have to be charged before they can generate electric energy. This entire game is caused by one of the fundaments reality in the universe. Here is the magic: You hold one bar magnet in your hand and you put another bar magnet on the table. Approach the same pole of the magnet on the table with the same pole of the magnet that is your hand. You will of course notice that the loose magnet will keep moving backwards, i.e. repulsion. Okay that is obvious. But let me ask you this question, this is most critical, the main interesting core phenomenon in the universe and without this there will be no electricity or power or motion. What will happen if you keep moving your magnet towards the magnet that is on the table. Will the magnet on the table, the free magnet so to speak, a magnet that is not confined if you will, just keep going back or....? You want to do the experiment first or you want to guess first? :-) Whatever answer you come up with then you have to ask, why that behavior..... It is the answer to everything. And could this be a result of the weak Force symmetry breaking? I.e. things are not equal. Loss of equilibrium...……………….

[@sevoak]

I learned a lot from this. Thanks.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Your welcome! Thanks for Watching!

[@1899lpv]

I have to ask you this. I have a similar set-up from an old furnace fan. Mine is belt driven. Could my motor has an integrated capacitor or is it a complete different design ? I just plug it in and it goes full speed. Great video.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

oh wow, i'll have to experiment with that! thats very interesting! thanks for watching!

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

sounds like its a run capacitor, being that low of capacitance like you said, hard to say for sure, unhook it and see what happens, if its just a run capacitor it should start, but if it helps start it (even if it is actually a run cap like the motor in this video) it may not work with the speed control. Just don't run it very long at all without it hooked up and be careful when disconnecting/reconnecting.

[@HomeAloneKid_Random]

nice video. I'm just wondering since my fan motor has a capacitor hooked up to the + terminal of the motor and the - terminal has a neutral hooked up could I move the capacitor to the - side and the neutral to the + side would it spin backwards? thanks

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Thanks. No that won't work, a AC capacitor functions the same hooked up either way, its not like a battery since the current is constantly fluctuating from + to -. Thanks for Watching!

[@HomeAloneKid_Random]

fnaguitarplayer9 okyou're welcome.

[@ronrobinson977]

thank you !!! i will now attempt a repair.....lol...i am working on my compressor motor... it gets hot and the capasitor gets hot and smokes ...so i am going to check and replace capasitor...do you have any suggestions ....have a great day

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

your welcome! I hear ya! It does sound like it needs to be replaced, i have a video just on how to check these capacitors, go here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGmyY3yjaKh9rtU Thanks you to, and thanks for watching!!!

[@efrensaclolo7021]

What is a start and run capacitor?Are they used the same and functions the same?I tried to help my motor spins on my furnace but only spins for a minute and stops so I need a new capacitor and it works back to normal after I replace it with a new 10 mfd 420/370 volts capacitor.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Start capacitors will only be activated when starting the motor, it helps provide more starting torque, and basically sets the "timing" (phasing) of the motor so it starts in the same direction every time. Run capacitors will do this to but remain active while running to make the motor efficient. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Very true, like i said in the video this capacitor severs 2 purposes, it helps start the motor, as you see without it it sits and hums, and it adjusts the phasing to keep it running, but can (not efficiently) run without it, and it does not have a centrifugal switch. But a normal capacitor start motor does use the centrifugal switch, and some have 2 caps one start and one run, this one serves both purposes. But yes they are actually run caps. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@alanjackson7560]

Thank you for taking the time to reply

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

+Alan Jackson no problem, anytime!

[@andypatarias8802]

I changed my running cap but the motor will not start but it hums when I use the heat thermostat on my Rheem furnace. When I use the fan only the motor is running ok. Does it have another capacitor this system for starting? or the motor has 2 speeds and one is not working? My a/c is working ok. Thanks for your help. Andy.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

+Andy Patarias That sounds like one speed may be burnt out if it doesn't have another capacitor, which i'm not sure of to be honest, its possible to have 2, but thats usually one for starting and other for run. Hope this helps some. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@707SonomaComa]

I was looking at Baldor 6" Bench Grinders. They have approx. 14 different models! One of the descriptions says: Built for heavy duty grinding, powered by 1/3 hp Baldor PSC type motor (except 612E & 662E which are split phase) What would be better for that type of bench grinder, a (PSC) Permanent Split Capacitor or a Split Phase motor? Is one harder or take longer to start? Do you have to spin the wheels to get it going?

[@kb9agt]

I've never been paid to work in electrical but I know that all large induction motors like this use what is called a start winding and the reason it just sits and hums is because the run winding can't start it spinning. The capacitor is like a switch and initially is on until it charges up and shuts of the current to the start winding. Some motors use a centripetal switch on the start winding. You often here them click off when the motor reaches sync speed and off when the motor slows down after shutoff. Hope this helps folks understand ac induction motors a little better. The easier ones to understand are ones for things like blenders and mixers that use a series wound system with commutators and will run on dc as well.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Good explanation, also I will add that the start/run capacitor will also change the phasing of the start windings, as others have noted if you wire up the capacitor different it will start in reverse. It gets the rotor started. They are very complicated/confusing devices! Thanks for Watching!!!

[@sumathibaskar2130]

Very useful video.I have a question.My Dryer motor in washing machine (capacitor start motor),It's starts slowly and starts to smoke.At the same time,It gets very hot.What will be the reason to happens like this?Is the centrifugal switch gone bad or stator problem?

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

+sumathi baskar Thanks. it might have just been the capacitor, but since its smoking the windings are probably shot in it now, usually when the start smoking they don't want to stop, even with the problem fixed, could be starting windings. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@TheWillow34b]

I like your straight up no BS presentation. Q:Why is it that I see universal motors with the label reading 90 volts? Does that mean it needs a maximum or a minimum of 90 VDC or RMS? I notice in the Grainger catalog, that they sell 90 volt speed controllers too. AND.... how does AC work in a motor wound and wired for series DC?

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

***** Appreciate that! I would have to guess that is DC, not really sure on that. I'm not sure exactly how they work but they do, like most motors found in electric drills and appliances like that, they will run on DC, I'm not a engineer i'm just a electrician, been a while since i studied motors! Thanks for Watching!!!

[@troymoore7537]

im going to be building a 6 coil 3 phase motor myself. as it now stands, the tentative design for the coils are a 1 inch total diameter with a 1/2 inch iron coreat an inch long. the diameter of the motor its self is 6 inches so far. this may have to be increased. and advice on how to wire it up for plugging in?

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

+Troy Moore I hear ya, sounds like a good project there! I'm not really sure on this to be honest, I'm just a electrician not a engineer, so I don't really have much info on how motors are wound, you may want to contact a motor rewinding shop or talk to a electrical engineer or teacher. Hope this helps, Thanks for Watching!!!

[@Ph0t0bug]

ok...got a debate going on... right now here in La. we have 90 degree weather with 72% Humids. its warm to say the least. Well last night about 11pm i noticed that my fan on my outside unit was running backwards. This has happened before and it was a bad Cap. So I did what my A/C guy said to do in a pinch and that was to reverse the plug between the cap and the motor. Sure enough once that was done the fan ran in the right direction. Well my lovely ADD kicked in and I forgot about it and went out to check it at 3:45p today. It was running fine and I had missed the chance to go get a new cap again. It started doing the reverse fan thing again so I reversed the wire again and it ran the right direction. Now I noticed in your video that you have a 4 wire motor and without the cap plugged in you could hand start the fan in the opposite direction and it would run. My fan is 2 wires. ok.. the question... is the 4 wire "non-reversible" motor? What would happen if the fan ran in reverse for an hour because no one knew it was doing that? I hate to think Im going to blow the motor overnight by running it normal and it cycling and returning to the wrong direction at sometime. The debate im having is how long could a motor run with a bad cap if you did what you did in the video by pushing the fan in the right direction?

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Wilson Revelle I'm not real sure on this, but to my knowledge on motors, I don't think it would harm it, but the constant stopping and reversing might, but if it kept running in the wrong direction, i don't see any damage happening to it, again I'm not real sure on this, i do know if you do like i did in the video and have the capacitor unhooked, the motor is under alot more stress and can overheat. I would suggest getting a new capacitor as soon as possible just to make sure it won't get damaged. hope this helps, thanks for watching!!!

[@gddeen1]

Nothing at all.

[@johnpowell1830]

Wilson Revelle i

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

The centrifugal switch turns the starting windings off after the motor reaches a certain RPM, i'm not sure what it is, but once it comes up to speed (from the starting windings) it will activate and turn them off, same for the capacitor start type, it will disengage the starting capacitor. thanks for watching!

[@nionoua]

Hi there I am having 2006 trance and the aire handler is doing a noise like water in a hose and spin a little bit and stop and so on and when it runs if that happened it does weird noise like the motor is a little shaking but nothing wrong with the mounting , I changed the board but same think is that would be a bad capacitor !!

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

That does sound like a bad capacitor, possibly causing the motor to overheat and shut down then start again. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

very true, much cheaper online! thanks for watching!

[@ddhts]

Thanks for making this video!

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Your welcome, thanks for watching!!!

[@sn0wchyld]

interesting note - you dont need to have it spinning to get it going without the cap. they'll start up fine if the rotor is in just the right position too. so just turning the motor perhaps a 1/8th or 1/4 turn will allow it to start up rather than just stall. Useful if your cap is stuffed on your 2n'd hand power hacksaw and you cant be assed opening it up and replacing it :P ps touching/trying to connect live exposed wires with bare hands? wtf mate, thats just silly. pull it apart for a demo sure but bloody hell...

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

+sn0wchyld That is a good point, i've noticed that with just a little push it will take off, alot slower ramp up though. I hear ya, yeah its very dangerous and I don't recommend it at all. haha Thanks for Watching!!!

[@Diron36]

If I brought a capacitor with the same uf but with a higher voltage would this affect my blower or would it operate the same as the old one when it worked...I was told that the higher voltage would not affect blower

[@geoh7777]

The local motor store where I live charges full retail out of the book for parts. (They also are one of the few technical/mechanical/electric/plumbing businesses locally that hasn't shut down.) Much, much cheaper to buy off ebay or online, take a chance on getting the right part, buy the other possibility if the first one doesn't cure the problem.

[@jameslucey2428]

Hi, this is highly educational and have watched it a few times now. Would you consider a video on a single phase induction motor with DOL?

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Appreciate that, glad to help out. If i run across one or have to work on I will make a video. This type of induction motor is the main ones i've worked on. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@totalrehabinc1]

Can you reverse the direction by switching the wires on the capacitor? My fan motor is spinning the wrong way.

[@b4roni1]

enjoy learning something new, thanks

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

your welcome! Thanks for Watching!!!

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

No it does not matter, and to be honest a higher voltage one is a better option in my opinion, think of it as buying a heavy duty version, if the voltage surges or spikes it would be less apt to damage the capacitor. The thing to watch out is the uf and if your replacing a motor run capacitor, it has to be a run capacitor, a start will blow up, and the same if your replacing a start, replace with a motor start. hope this helps! Thanks for Watching!!!

[@doubledub614]

Good presentation, but everyone be careful goofing with capacitors, some can zap you but good!! You can short them with a screwdriver before you touch them, or they may short you. Be safe. Thanks for the good vid.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Double Dub thanks, yeah safety first when dealing with anything electric, thats why i stress that my video are for information / demonstration purposes only. your welcome, thanks for watching!!!

[@aoace60]

Enjoyed the capacitor video. My question is, I have a wholehouse fan and the motor will just stop. When I flip the switch on after it has been off for a bit and the fan turns sometimes and other thimes it just humms like in your video. Does this sound like a capacitor problem or do i have to replace the whole 1/3 hp motor?Thank youAl

[@cardboardboxification]

A bad cap will overheat the motor, then the motor thermal switch at the windings will open when gets hot so the motor wont catch fire.. If you dont have a meter to read the cap, then just replace it they are cheap, Also see how the fan spins by hand to make Shure the bushings are good and it spins freely

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

+hill billy Very true, this motor got super hot before i put a new capacitor on it, the old cap was swelling and you could smell the windings getting really hot. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@ruchikpaves1]

nice and clean.......my question is how we can change direction of blower motor with just one toggle switch...?? i mean if you can please elaborate and make a video about it...........

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Thanks. Someone said on the comments that one wire can be changed on the capacitor to make it reverse start on it own, if thats true (haven't tried it yet) then you could just have a double throw ON/ON switch to switch the wire back and forth, I can't make a video on it anytime soon, I'm backed up on small engine videos right now, and not having time to edit them to upload, I will put it on my list, no promises though haha Hope you understand. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@ruchikpaves1]

thank you my friend, it helped, thanks much for the reply

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Your welcome!

[@cabsrb00]

1 question does the cap have a certain way it needs to be plugged like (+ -) or can u plug it either way

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

No, with this type of start capacitor since its AC its non polarized. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@cabsrb00]

@@fnaguitarplayer9 thanks for answering my question, good video

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

your welcome, thanks

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

The wires can be reversed but it won't effect the direction, since its AC. some motors will have a terminal block inside a cover that you can switch 2 wires around to switch direction, the type in this video doesn't, but mainly what i'm talking about is like a motor that mounts and is belt driven. thanks for watching!

[@jaycee8093]

cool vid didn't know that they could go reverse that way

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

thanks. yeah they can be, but its not recommended since its not designed for it. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@nicolesinclair8133]

Your video was very helpful. I changed the capactor in my furnace, but it still seems to humm. The motor turns on and heat comes out but the humm is still there. What should I do next.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Alot of induction motors will hum in furnaces some do to the low rpm they run, if they ran faster it would cool the air down, it could also be loose motor mounts causing a vibration or just weak windings causing it, kind of hard to diagnose. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@bobbystanley8580]

I have a question sir? I have a 15 amp motor for my tablesaw that I am using for a homemade disc sander. The disc is heavy and the start capacitor is not strong enough to get it going. It was a 300 mfd and I tried a 400 and it went out also. What do you suggest?

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

You shouldn't have to change capacitors, they are designed for a certain capacitance, I have heard of people doing it but i personally don't recommend it unless the manufacture suggests it. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@bobbystanley8580]

fnaguitarplayer9 thank you so much for the reply!

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

your welcome!

[@KBTG]

Interesting. I acquired a new 208/230v single phase motor in an AC/Heater squirrel cage to use for a fan with a small silver oval capacitor on the fan. My voltage at the box reads 246v. I wired it for a single speed according to instructions. I flipped it on at the breaker and the fan started turning and sounded just fine. After getting up to full speed in 3 or 4 seconds, all of a sudden I heard a pop and a flash. I instantly shut off the breaker. I couldn't see what caused it, everything looked OK. I wasn't sure if it was the capacitor or the new motor? I thought it must have been the higher voltage, but maybe it was the capacitor. It gives me something to think about. I enjoyed your video about these capacitors.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

It may have been the capacitor or a wire shorted out somewhere. I would test the capacitor (or try another one if you have another) and see what it does. And double check the wiring for the speeds. I burnt up a 4 speed motor one time by connecting it wrong, it was on a blower just like in the video. thanks for watching!!!

[@douchanyigal]

Hi, I have an ac motor and it looks like it has only a run capacitor, and no start capacitor. In fact, you have to push it a little to start. Is it simple to add a start capacitor myself ?

[@pl2501]

so that humming noises I hear in my ac unit when in the standby mode is that a bad capacitor?

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Its possible, hard to say for sure just going by the sound. thanks for watching!!!

[@ronsbeerreviewstools4361]

Thanks for posting this video. Its entertaining & informative. Do U have a wiring diagram of this cap. start motor. Cheers !

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Your welcome. No actually i do not, but most motors will have some type of a diagram on them or at least with wire color labels. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@wlhgmk]

What happens if you reverse the wires that connect to the capacitor. Will the motor spin in the opposite direction

[@highspeedgaz]

There's two sets of windings, start winding and run winding , the start winding is wired in series with the capacitor, to reverse the direction the start winding connection may need changing over inside the motor box terminal .

[@gameridiots]

So basically Centrifugal just disconnect the connection from it gets it power? So it depends on RPM?

[@DandyDon1]

It's actually a 2 phase motor. The run capacitor makes up for the delay needed to run the second phase. This is also done with 3 phase motors which have two capacitors to run on a single phase circuit.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Yeah, thats a good way to describe it. Like 2 opposing magnets, alternating back and forth. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@minecraftcreeper2711]

I have a single phase 1/3 HP 240 volt 2.8 amp electric motor powering furnace squirrel cage blower. The motor is labeled to rotate counterclockwise. However it is running clockwise. The motor has 2 brown wires that attach to the capacitor. Technician just installed a new capacitor. Does the position of the two wires on the capacitor determine the rotation. New capacitor is only change made that could have changed direction. Otherwise the rotation has been incorrectly clockwise since motor was installed years ago....

[@minecraftcreeper2711]

+minecraft creeper lol I just noticed my name appears as minecraft creeper! My 8 year old is a minecraft fan and he set that up through my email. Wow. Not a creeper of any kind. A friend helped me remove the motor yesterday. Until it was removed I couldn't see the data plate. I mentioned that I wondered if how the capacitor was hooked up could reverse the rotation, but he didn't think so... We didn't test it. The motor casing gets pretty hot when it's running, but not burning smell, so I was just going to get a new motor because I figured it was going bad, but now I am wondering whether or not I really need one.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

+minecraft creeper No, the wires on the capacitor doesn't matter, the capacitor can be hooked either way, it will not reverse direction, capacitors (except for certain electrolytics) are non-polarized (compare to a light bulb for example). I'm not sure what could be causing it run backwards if its labeled like that, at least not with serious modifications done to it. Some motors do tend to run hotter then others, if you still had the old cap you could try it temp. just to see if that is what it changed it. But I don't really see how. Hope this helps some! Thanks for Watching!!!

[@gmplascencia]

great video, thanks!

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

+Gerardo Marin Your welcome! Thanks for Watching!!!

[@henrym02]

very interesting, thank you for sharing

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Thats why i said not to do this or not for very long, i was just demonstrating what the capacitor does on it. I noticed that when i hooked the capacitor up while it was running, it sped up quite a bit. thanks for watching!!!

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Sounds like it may be a bad or weak start capacitor or possibly starting windings.. New capacitor *should* fix it if its not the windings. Starting it like won't do any harm, your doing the capacitor/starter windings job, but if you leave for a while humming without spinning, it will work on the windings and weaken / overheat them. Only reason on this video i said it might harm the motor is because the capacitor serves as a run as well. no problem, glad you like them! Thanks for Watching!!!

[@samehdarawshi3537]

hi thanks for the video.below is same text i sent gary, maybe you or other people can help me here:i am seeking help with my washing machine insuction motor i received with 6 wires that i am planning on running as a lathe. testing continuity (ohm multimeter reading), i found 3 possibilities/ combinations of 2 wires each time showing continuity and those gave me motor running (without capacitor, so it demanded me making the first move). thre was 2 high ohm reading (gave low speed turn) and one low ohm reading (gave high speed turn). knowing this washing machine has only 2 speeds, where the low speed has 2 spin directions (clockwise and counter clockwise) it could be that those 2 wire combination i found to have continuity and indeed gave me motor running, are actualy one of them meant to run clockwise and the other as counter clockwise.still i did not discover the way to connect to capacitor. based on my info here any suggestion how to wire the capacitor? probably i should change wiring setting also on capacitor each time i want to get different speed?maybe you can help me here...thanks

[@SteveRobReviews]

well done Thanks.

[@rochewijnaar5374]

some people say you can test the motor to see if it's still good by just connecting the wires of the cap for 2sec and if the start winding is still okay it should start the motor, how true is that?

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

I've never heard of this before, I'm not sure about it to be honest. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@robviolin1]

It would be nice for you to make a video on testing a caps

[@derekobidowski5784]

this motor is called a PSC Permanent Split Capacitor motor. a capacitor start motor will have a centrifigual switch in it which cuts the power off to the start windings and start capacitor. when the motor reaches 75% speed they are used on pumps, belted loads like a belt drive fan or air compressors or a direct drive fan. this motor is a furnace blower motor.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Your are correct. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@tareequehussain9370]

could you tell me this was starting or running capacitor plz

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

this is considered a motor run capacitor, even though it helps start it. Most of the time if you have a start capacitor its round, more like a capacitor on a circuit board in a tv or something. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@tareequehussain9370]

Thank you brother for information

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

your welcome!

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

More than likely it will have a capacitor, if its not external it will a "cylinder shaped hump" on the housing of the motor, some have 2, one for start and 1 for run. But some won't have a capacitor at all, and just use a centrifugal switch to turn on/off the starting winding. Thanks For Watching!!!

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

sounds like a start/run like the one in the video, i ran that number on the internet and found that its called a start capacitor but works in the use of starting and running motors, i'll pm what I found, can't post a link in a comment, so i guess it is a start capacitor...

[@Bunkers101]

Neat, i didn't know this. Thanks for sharing =D

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

its probably a run capacitor being that low capacitance, most start capacitors are higher. thanks for watching!!!

[@derekobidowski5784]

this motor is a PSC Permanent Split Capacitor its used to start the motor and to maintain the running efficiency of the motor as the start winding is in the circuit continiously. Split phase, Capacitor start, and Capacitor start capacitor run motors have a centrifigual switch to cut power to the start windings when it reaches 75% of full speed which is suited more for larger fans and belted loads. as some PSC motors will have wire leads on it to reverse the rotation which makes the motor more universal for a particular replacement application. Larger polyphase or 3 phase motors operate on balanced 3 phase power only there is no start or run capacitors in these motors.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

I used to know all the names when i was in the electrician class, got away from motors for a while. I do like 3 phases motors, there is alot less that can go wrong, no capacitors. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@BigWesLawns]

my advice as far as changeout of capacitors: get a technician. there is some math involved in determining the capacative reactance in each system. it's not something you can guess or it can lead to fire or motor damage.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

I agree. I'm a licensed electrician, and thats why i said this video was a experiment just prove that a "non-reversible" motor can run backwards. Appreciate the offer, i have books on the subject, motors and theory. I have worked with 3 phase motors before, they are very interesting, whats interesting to me is how you can run a 3 phase off of a single phase (starting it first) and it will generate the 3rd phase, so it can be used as a single to 3 phase converter. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@robviolin1]

Good info, thanks.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

+robviolin1 Your welcome, thanks for watching!!!

[@BeeTammo]

I have an Electric Lawn Mower and the motor spins and then stops and starts humming, could it be the capacitor, if so where can I buy one?

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

That could be, i'm not familiar with why types of motors they are using on them to be honest. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@modoc852]

@@fnaguitarplayer9 most likely a bearing problem

[@edmund-osborne]

Why does the motor make a different startup sound when reversed?

[@SiriusSolar]

Because the fan is spinning backwards so it sounds different

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

like travis said spinning backwards is probably why, for one, its basically under no load when running backwards, blowers aren't like fans. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Usually if a motor just has a run capacitor it serves 2 purposes, Run and also it helps start the motor as you see in the video, sounds like you may have a bad capacitor, i'd suggest replacing the capacitor. You can't add a start capacitor if its not designed to have one. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

no problem! Thanks for watching!!!

[@pui108diy]

Thank you. Great videO. I am very clear after not to know how to fix an old motor cap start/induction run on failed big pedestal drill . I am not sure with my old motor 1hp 220VAC ,but have an old cap 200uF 125Volts ,right or wrong value. I am understand ,it may be right on 200uF (for 1hp motor uf --> 138 to 180 uF or may be above) but Volt should be 250VAC(its durable). Please suggest me more.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

your welcome! Glad to hear my video helped, the only thing i can suggest doing is running the model number of the motor online and see what type of capacitor it uses, thats the only way to be 100% sure if its right. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@ramonmejias2178]

My blower motor is getting very hot and stops working is it the capacitor?

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Could be, its the first thing to check. Thanks for Watching!!!