What does the capacitor do in a pool pump?
The capacitor in your pool pump is there so that, when you start up your pool pump, there is a power source that allows it to get up to speed before it switches to an alternative source of power that can help keep it running. Think of it like a startup battery used to give it that kick to get it going before it switches to its main power supply.
How do you test a pool pump capacitor?
Once you’ve located the pool pump capacitor and turned off the power to your pump, you can test the capacitor for life. It’s important to note that this process is very dangerous. A pool pump capacitor can deliver a powerful shock, even after it has been removed from the pump.
How do I know if my pool pump capacitor is dead?
Checking you pump’s capacitor can save you a lot of money, however, it is dangerous without the right information. A pool pump that won’t run may be a symptom of many different problems, but there are a couple of ways to know if the pool pump capacitor is at fault. The first method to know if a capacitor is dead is to use your ears.
What does the start capacitor do in a motor?
The Start capacitor is switched into the the motor's winding circuits on start up to help the motor turn over and come up to speed. When the motor is close to running speed, the Start capaciotor is switched out of the winding circuits.
What causes a pool pump capacitor to fail?
0:451:49Why is my pool pump motor capacitor failing? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it's maybe the windings are going bad for whatever reason or the bearings it's running hot maybeMoreAnd it's maybe the windings are going bad for whatever reason or the bearings it's running hot maybe that's why your capacitors are failing and go ahead replace the motor.
How do you know if a pool capacitor is bad?
5 Signs Your Pool Pump Capacitor Is BadPump Motor Hums or Buzzes But Doesn't Start. ... Pump Motor Starts But Turns Off Intermittently. ... The Impeller Has No Blockages But the Pump Still Won't Run. ... The Pump Shaft or Bearings Are Good But the Pump Won't Run. ... Circuit Breaker Trips. ... The Capacitor Smells and/or Is Misshapen.
What happens if capacitor fails in water pump?
If a run capacitor fails, the motor can display a variety of problems including not starting, overheating, and vibrating. A bad run capacitor deprives the motor of the full voltage it needs to operate correctly.
How long should a pool capacitor last?
Pool pumps may have two capacitors. There could be one in the back which is the start capacitor, and one on top which is the run capacitor. Start capacitors have a limited service life of approximately 5000 starts of the pool pump motor.
How do I test my pool capacitor?
Testing the Capacitor with a MultimeterRemove the cover at the back of the motor or on top of the motor to expose the capacitor.The capacitor will store an electrical charge. ... Remove the leads to the pool pump capacitor. ... Set the multimeter on ohms to 1K.Slip a heavy piece of paper between the points on the switch.More items...•
How long do pump capacitors last?
Think - A pool pump capacitor generally has a lifetime rating of around 5,000 starts. While 5,000 sounds like a large number, it can go by very fast. So think about when you got your pump, give it a rough estimate. If you only use your pump once a day, 5,000 start is approximately 10-13 years.
Can a water pump run without a capacitor?
Can Submersible Pump Run Without Capacitor? A submersible pump typically has a capacitor to help start the motor. However, the capacitor is not required to keep the motor running once it has started. If the capacitor fails, the motor will still run but may not start as easily.
Can a pump work without a capacitor?
The motor will run fine without the capacitor. However, the problem comes if the motor stops and tries to restart. Say for instance you have a power blip for a second or two. The pump will shut down and not be able to restart, therefore ruining the motor.
Can a water pump work without a capacitor?
No, the capacitor is there to start the motor only. If the does not pump, it is the pump problrm, most often a damaged impeller, a bad bearing which prevent running fast enough, a partially blocked tubing etc.
Does every pool pump have a capacitor?
All in ground single speed pumps use a capacitor whether they are 120 or 240. Not all motors have run capacitors. The newer VS pumps do not have a start capacitor either.
What makes a run capacitor go bad?
Why Does a Capacitor Go Bad? The capacitor's ability to store and release energy can cause it to overheat and wear out eventually. This can happen when the whole system runs for long periods of time. Capacitor failure can also be the result of a power surge, a lightning strike or fluctuations in the electric grid.
What does a capacitor do in a water pump?
A capacitor is a an electronic device that stores energy. In a single phase bore pump a start capacitor increases the starting torque for a short while and then brings the motor rotation up to a rate approaching the speed at which it will run the pump constantly.
Will a bad pool pump capacitor trip a breaker?
It's common for these to go bad. And when the motor starter capacitor is bad, sometimes it can cause the power to trip. What is this? One sign that this could be an issue is if when you switch on the pump it hums and doesn't turn – then trips the power and stops.
How do you test a water pump capacitor?
2:446:10How To Test A Pool Pump Motor Capacitor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd um so you want to check your multimeter. And make sure it has the ability to to test capacitanceMoreAnd um so you want to check your multimeter. And make sure it has the ability to to test capacitance it'll have a symbol.
How do you test a capacitor?
0:044:58How to Test a Capacitor with a Multimeter and LCR Meter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can use a regular screwdriver. The main point is that the multimeter will charge the capacitorMoreYou can use a regular screwdriver. The main point is that the multimeter will charge the capacitor with its battery.
How do you know if your pool pump motor is bad?
Your pump could be leaking water, or the bearings might need to be replaced instead of the entire motor. Screeching is also a sign that your motor bearings need to be replaced. These loud, often painful sounds could also be a sign of rust or oxidation, making it more difficult for the bearings to do their job.
What is a pool pump capacitor?
A pool pump capacitor is similar to the battery in a car. The same reason your car needs a battery inside the engine bay to start is the same reason a pool needs a capacitor to start. It allows the pool pump to get up to speed before it switches over to using a different power source to run. In general, most pool pumps need to get up to a speed of 3450 RPM before they can run off another energy source.
How Do I Find the Capacitor for My Pool Pump?
You can find the pool pump capacitor underneath a hump on either the top or side of your pool pump. It will be underneath a plastic housing that can be either popped or screwed off. The capacitor will be attached to the inside of a cylinder.
How to remove a capacitor from a cylinder?
Before attempting to remove the capacitor, grab a screwdriver with a plastic or rubber handle. Touch the screwdriver to the ends of the capacitor making sure to touch each prong simultaneously. There will be an electrical spark when you do this so make sure you are only touching the capacitor with the screwdriver. After you release the capacitor’s charge, it’s safe to remove the capacitor from the larger cylinder. Use a multimeter on each of the prongs to test the capacitor. Use the lowest ohm setting, and if the meter stays at 0, it’s gone bad.
How to tell if a pool pump capacitor is dead?
The first method to know if a capacitor is dead is to use your ears. When the pool pump turns on, listen for a quiet buzz or hum. This sound indicates that the pool pump capacitor has become dead. Another method to know whether or not a capacitor has gone bad is to think about how long it has been since it’s been replaced.
How many starts does a pool capacitor last?
Standard pool pump capacitors are only good for around 5000 starts before they go bad. That may seem like a lot of starts, but the get used up quite quickly. If you’ve had your pool for a while, it could be possible the capacitor is bad. The third method to see if a capacitor is bad is to use your nose. When your pool pump tries to turn on, the ...
Why does my pool pump stop working?
You may be wondering why your pool’s pump suddenly stopped working one day, and it may be because of a faulty pool pump capacitor.
Why is a capacitor important in a pool pump?
The capacitor is one of the more essential components in your pool pump, as it plays a vital role in keeping your pool pump running and pumping the water in your pool. Sometimes, your pool pump starts to not run as well as it used to.
What to do if capacitor is a problem?
If your capacitor is a problem, you’ll need to get a new one as soon as possible. Otherwise, you won’t be able to use your pump properly. Replacing it is not an easy task for someone who doesn’t know what they are doing.
How fast does a pool pump go?
The average pool pump will need to reach a speed of around 3450 RPM before switching to its primary power supply. The capacitor is a cylindrical component around 3 to 4 inches long that is responsible for getting the pump to this speed. Some pumps might require two capacitors to get going, depending on the strength needed to get through water volume.
What causes a pump to run hotter?
Faulty capacitors cause the engine in your pump to run at a higher amperage than it should, and a higher amperage means more wattage. The more watts being pumped into the system, the hotter it gets. Be sure that when checking the heat, you avoid any electricity that could be exposed. If you are unsure about overheating, other symptoms include an oversized impeller, high voltage, and bad windings.
Why do pool pumps get hot?
These machines are designed so that, when they begin to overheat, they shut themselves down immediately to prevent any further issues.
Why is my pool pump not working?
Sometimes, your pool pump starts to not run as well as it used to. This can be due to a variety of causes, as there are many moving parts involved. It can also be complicated to troubleshoot, especially for someone who is not necessarily trained as a pool technician.
Can shorting a capacitor cause an explosion?
Shorting the capacitor has been known to cause at least a spark and at most an explosion, which is why you need to take those previous precautions. You will now take the leads out, remembering or noting down where they were initially so that you can replace them correctly. Set your multimeter ohms to 1K.
Why is the start capacitor in a motor?
The Start capacitor is switched into the the motor's winding circuits on start up to help the motor turn over and come up to speed. When the motor is close to running speed, the Start capaciotor is switched out of the winding circuits. The Run capacitor is incorporated in the motor circuit to help increase running efficiency.
What happens when a capacitor goes bad?
When a START capacitor is starting to go bad, you might see some leakage of electrolytic oil, and when it fails the vent opens and expells the electrolytic oils. A failed start capacitor will have a physical hole in the vent after it has failed.
What to do if pump motor is burning up capacitors?
If you pump motor is continually burning up capacitors, try using the next one up in size. Capacitors are susceptible topower variations or increases. If you can't control your system power, you may need a capacitor with a little higher rating. Use this link to purchase the Start Capacitor you need.
How to replace a run capacitor?
REPLACING RUN CAPACITOR - To replace a Run Capacitor, remove the Capacitor Cover (bump) by removing the two screws. Then follow the precautions above to disconnect and replace the capacitor. As stated above, when you replace a capacitor, never put in a lower rated capacitor. If you can't find your size capacitor, it is acceptable to use the one rated one step higher. If you pump motor is continually burning up capacitors, try using the next one up in size. Capacitors are susceptible topower variations or increases. If you can't control your system power, you may need a capacitor with a little higher rating. Use this link to purchase the Run Capacitor you need
Where is the run capacitor located?
RUN CAPACITOR LOCATION - RUN capacitors are usually the METAL (aluminum or steel) enclosed can capacitors that are most of the time, but not always, found under the "hump" on top of the motor - also referred to as the capacitor housing or "doghouse". This picture shows the location of the run capacitor under a doghouse.
Can you replace a pool pump capacitor?
REPLACING START CAPACITOR - See our guide on " How To Replace a Pool Pump Capacitor ". When you replace a capacitor, never put in a lower rated capacitor. If you can't find your size capacitor, it is acceptable to use the one rated one step higher. If you pump motor is continually burning up capacitors, try using the next one up in size. Capacitors are susceptible topower variations or increases. If you can't control your system power, you may need a capacitor with a little higher rating. Use this link to purchase the Start Capacitor you need.
Is there a vent on a run capacitor?
The capacitance reading would be significantly lower than rated if its failed. There isn't a "vent" typically on RUN capacitors -- they expand/bow outward with a fail safe internal structure so that the bowing out of the terminals breaks the contacts internally in the capacitor in a fail safe mode.
