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Capacitor replacement

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missfox
missfox Member Posts: 1
in A-C, Heat Pumps & Refrigeration

Our AC isn't working and we want to replace the capacitor to see if that's the problem. Our capacitor says cap050500440ct on it.

Home Depot sells one by Titan with the same specs but it's quite a bit smaller than the original. How do we know if it's ok to use?

Thank you!

Comments

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 17,666

    what is it doing that makes you think the capacitor is the problem?

    can you take a picture of the cap? that seems like a part number or date code rather than the value of the capacitor. there may be markings on several sides of the can.

  • HydronicMike
    HydronicMike Member Posts: 388

    It has to match the microfarad rating and at least the voltage rating on the original capacitor. There are plenty of youtube videos showing you how to discharge and replace a capacitor. Maybe it will fix it, maybe it won't.
    But I hope you don't make it worse.

  • 109A_5
    109A_5 Member Posts: 4,245

    If it fixes the issue and you can secure it electrically and physically there should not be a problem.

    An example replacement.

    image.png
    National - U.S. Gas Boiler 45+ Years Old
    Steam 300 SQ. FT. - EDR 347
    One Pipe System
  • HVACNUT
    HVACNUT Member Posts: 7,564

    HD shouldn't be allowed to sell capacitors.

    mattmia2109A_5ChrisJpecmsg
  • ratio
    ratio Member Posts: 4,278

    There are few parts on anything that are easier to change than a cap, and a homeowner should be allowed to repair whatever they want on their own house, provided it's done to code and approved by the AHJ.

    And we all know tech who's first recourse is to bill someone for a round of the parts cannon.

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 20,629

    @HVACNUT

    As we all know now capacitors used to almost last forever. Now it is probably one of the most common services calls there is. I had been in and out of our local hardware store a few times looking for something in the electrical isle and was very surprised to see they had a few contactors and capacitors. They never had them before.

    My Neice's AC went down two weeks ago on a Sunday due to a mouse nest in the condenser. The cap was ok but chewed up wires and the contactor was disgusting.

    I remembered the hardware store which was only 5 miles away and I bought the last contactor they had

    IMG_6596.jpg
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 20,629

    @missfox

    Look on the old capacitor. You want to know the microfarad rating and the symbol for that is "UF"

    If the capacitor is wired to both the fan and compressor (most are) it will be a dual capacitor like 30/5 UF, 50/5 UF 45/5 UF etc

    Also the voltage rating may be 370 or 440 volts. If yours is rated 370 volts you can use either a 370 or 440 volt rated capacitor. If rated 440 it needs to be a 440 replacement/

    All you need is the voltage and the UF ratings. The capacitor may be smaller physically and that is ok.

    Make sure to shut the power off while changing and use a screwdriver to short across the capacitor wires before removing. Make sure the wires go back on the correct terminals. If the old cap is bulging at the top or leaking oil it is bad for sure.

  • 109A_5
    109A_5 Member Posts: 4,245

    @EBEBRATT-Ed did you repair the hole in the condenser housing so they can't get back in ? Otherwise they will be back.

    National - U.S. Gas Boiler 45+ Years Old
    Steam 300 SQ. FT. - EDR 347
    One Pipe System
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 20,629

    @109A_5

    They crawled in through the wire openings. I didn't have anything with me so I told my brother to pick up some duct seal and plug the holes. I don't think they will like eating that.

    Unit has a leak probably in the condenser I had to add a little gas. Not a big leak but the first one its ever had its 31 years old and the condenser fins are starting to rot off and the furnace is the same age. I didn't have my leak detector with me.

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 17,666
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1900491#Comment_1900491

    that looks like what a chipmunk did in my grill. it hopped up on my trash can then jumped on the back of the grill and in the vent slot at the back of the lid.

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 20,629

    I couldn't believe how much stuff they dragged in there. That chunk of stuff was probably 6 x6x6. Disgusting. Wore gloves took everything out of the cabinet, cap, contactor etc and sprayed it with Lysol and then a garden hose

  • 109A_5
    109A_5 Member Posts: 4,245
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1900497#Comment_1900497

    They may not like it, but it would not surprise me if they did chew through it. I like more substantial methods of blocking their invasion. Have you brother makes sure he does not seal any inside.

    National - U.S. Gas Boiler 45+ Years Old
    Steam 300 SQ. FT. - EDR 347
    One Pipe System

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