Changing an AC capacitor is a comparatively easy job 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. If you’re not comfy working with electrical energy, it’s best to rent a certified electrician.
Earlier than you start, you will want to collect 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 substitute 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 usually 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 just isn’t working correctly, verify 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. Observe these steps to soundly disconnect the facility:
1. Find the Electrical Panel
Determine the principle electrical panel, usually situated within the basement, storage, or utility space of your property. 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 swap 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 to open the capacitor casing beneath 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 facility outlet or flip off the circuit breaker to make sure there isn’t a 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 widespread technique is the “resistor discharge technique.”
| Resistor Discharge Methodology |
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One other technique is the “short-circuit discharge technique.”
| Brief-Circuit Discharge Methodology |
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Observe: Watch out when utilizing the short-circuit discharge technique, as it might probably 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 increased). 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 Outdated 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 finished by flipping the breaker that provides energy to the unit, or by turning off the principle 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 usually situated 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 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 finished by utilizing 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. You’ll want to observe 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. You’ll want to put on gloves when dealing with the capacitor, as it could be sharp.
Extra 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 attempt utilizing a pair of pliers to softly pry it unfastened.
- Watch out to not harm the capacitor or the encompassing elements when you find yourself eradicating it.
Putting in the New Capacitor
After getting eliminated the previous capacitor, it’s time to set up the brand new one. Listed here are the steps:
- Fastidiously deal with the brand new capacitor to keep away from damaging it.
- Orient the capacitor accurately in line with 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 fixed.
- Double-check all connections to make sure they’re tight and correctly aligned.
- If crucial, discuss with the producer’s directions for particular capacitor mounting and wiring directions.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Collect crucial 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 take a look at |
| 7 | Confer with producer’s directions for particular capacitor mounting and wiring directions, if crucial |
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 perpetrator.
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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 harm in the course of the take a look at.
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Find Capacitor
Determine 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, similar to bulging or leaking.
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Disconnect Capacitor
Utilizing insulated pliers, disconnect the wires related 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 observe the displayed capacitance worth.
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Evaluate to Rated Capacitance
Examine the capacitor’s rated capacitance, which is usually 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 Beneath or considerably above rated capacitance
How To Change Ac Capacitor
An AC capacitor is an digital element that shops electrical power in an electrical subject. It’s utilized in quite a lot of digital units, together with air conditioners. Over time, an AC capacitor can fail, which might trigger the air conditioner to cease working. If you’re experiencing issues together with your air conditioner, you will need to verify the capacitor to see if it must be changed.
To switch 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 usually situated close to the compressor. After getting situated the capacitor, you possibly can disconnect the wires which are related 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.
Folks Additionally Ask
How do I do know if my AC capacitor is dangerous?
There are a number of indicators that your AC capacitor could also be dangerous. 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 possibly can substitute an AC capacitor your self. Nevertheless, you will need to observe that it is a probably harmful job. If you’re not comfy 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 fee to exchange an AC capacitor will differ 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.
