What is the difference between a motor start capacitor and a motor run capacitor

What is the difference between a motor start capacitor and a motor run capacitor

A capacitor is an energy storage device. It is a means of storing energy for sudden or periodic release. The energy or capacitance of a capacitor is measured in microfarads. Basically, two plates are separated by a material called a dielectric or insulator. These insulators can be made of mica, ceramic, porcelain, Mylar, Teflon, glass or rubber. Capacitors also limit current. They can be used to store voltage or to build up voltage until a release is needed.

Starting capacitors

Starting capacitor The starting capacitor is located in the starting winding circuit when the motor is started. This capacitor has a larger capacitance than the run capacitor. It is different, but the size of the starting capacitor varies between 70 and 120 microfarads. The run capacitor provides a direct electrical impulse to start the motor. Without the starting capacitor, the motor would hum when voltage is applied. The starting capacitor creates a current-voltage delay in each of the motor's starting windings. Current is slowly built up and the armature is allowed to rotate with the current field.

Operating capacitors

Running capacitor The running capacitor uses the dielectric charge to increase the current supplied to the motor. It is used to sustain the load. In inverters, there are two running capacitors. One capacitor supplies power to the fan motor. The other supplies current to the compressor. The size of the run capacitor is approximately 7-9 microfarads. The value or rating of the run capacitor must be accurate. If the value is too large, the offset is not ideal and the winding current is too high. If the capacitance value/size is too small, the phase shift is large and the winding current is too low. If the operating capacitance is not ideal, the motor will overheat and the actual torque will not be sufficient to drive the current.

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