Changing an AC capacitor is a comparatively easy process that may be accomplished in just a few hours. Nonetheless, it is very important take the mandatory 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 assemble the next instruments and supplies:
- New AC capacitor
- Electrical tape
- Screwdriver
- Wire cutters
- Voltmeter
After getting 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 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 ability to the AC unit and examine the operation of the unit. If the AC unit just isn’t 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 to your security. Comply with these steps to soundly disconnect the ability:
1. Find the Electrical Panel
Determine the primary electrical panel, usually situated within the basement, storage, or utility space of your private home. The panel accommodates circuit breakers or fuses that management {the electrical} movement 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 totally 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 ability is totally disconnected, use a non-contact voltage tester to examine the terminals of the capacitor. A voltage tester is a handheld system 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 may have turned off the ability. Don’t try and open the capacitor casing below any circumstances, as this may occasionally 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. 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 frequent methodology is the “resistor discharge methodology.”
| Resistor Discharge Technique |
|---|
|
One other methodology is the “short-circuit discharge methodology.”
| Quick-Circuit Discharge Technique |
|---|
|
Be aware: Watch out when utilizing the short-circuit discharge methodology, as it may possibly create a small spark.
Step 5: Double-Examine the Discharge
Use a multimeter or voltage tester to make sure the capacitor has been totally 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 ability to the unit.
Earlier than you start any work, it is very important flip off the ability to the air-con unit. This may be executed 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 usually situated on the facet or high of the unit.
3. Find the capacitor.
The capacitor is a cylindrical-shaped object with two terminals. It’s often situated close to the compressor.
4. Discharge the capacitor.
Earlier than you take away the capacitor, it is very important discharge it. This may be executed 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. Make sure to be aware 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. Make sure to put on gloves when dealing with the capacitor, as it might be sharp.
Extra ideas for eradicating the previous capacitor:
- If the capacitor is mounted on a bracket, you could have to take away the bracket earlier than you’ll be able to take away the capacitor.
- If the capacitor is troublesome to take away, you’ll be able to strive utilizing a pair of pliers to softly pry it free.
- Watch out to not injury the capacitor or the encircling 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 below are the steps:
- Fastidiously deal with the brand new capacitor to keep away from damaging it.
- Orient the capacitor accurately in keeping 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 obligatory, check with the producer’s directions for particular capacitor mounting and wiring directions.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Collect obligatory 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 obligatory |
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 wrongdoer.
-
Guarantee Energy is Off
Flip off the ability provide to the air conditioner on the circuit breaker or fuse field.
-
Clear Any Particles
Take away any leaves or particles from across the unit to forestall injury throughout the take a look at.
-
Find Capacitor
Determine the situation of the capacitor, often mounted on the facet or high of the condensing unit.
-
Examine Capacitor
Visually examine the capacitor for any seen injury, corresponding to bulging or leaking.
-
Disconnect Capacitor
Utilizing insulated pliers, disconnect the wires related to the capacitor terminals.
-
Set Multimeter to Capacitance
Change the multimeter to the capacitance setting (often symbolized by a “C”).
-
Measure Capacitance
Contact the multimeter probes to the capacitor terminals and be aware the displayed capacitance worth.
-
Evaluate to Rated Capacitance
Examine the capacitor’s rated capacitance, which is usually printed on its facet or label.
-
Decide Defective Capacitor
If the measured capacitance considerably deviates from the rated capacitance, the capacitor is probably going defective and wishes substitute.
-
Desk: Capacitor Testing Outcomes
Situation Capacitance Studying Good Capacitor Inside 5% of rated capacitance Defective Capacitor Beneath or considerably above rated capacitance
How To Substitute Ac Capacitor
An AC capacitor is an digital part that shops electrical vitality in an electrical discipline. 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. If you’re experiencing issues along with your air conditioner, it is very important examine the capacitor to see if it must be changed.
To exchange an AC capacitor, you will want 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 usually situated close to the compressor. After getting situated the capacitor, you’ll be able to disconnect the wires which are related 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 previous 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.
Folks Additionally Ask
How do I do know if my AC capacitor is dangerous?
There are just a few 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 exchange an AC capacitor myself?
Sure, you’ll be able to exchange an AC capacitor your self. Nonetheless, it is very important be aware that it is a probably harmful process. 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 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.
