how to test a start capacitor ？

Starting capacitors are used in many household appliances, such as washing machines, refrigerators, refrigerators or air conditioners. How to tell if the capacitor is working properly? The following method is also applicable to running capacitors.

If your device is buzzing but not properly started or running, check that the starting capacitor is working properly. By performing a simple test with a multimeter, you can easily tell if your capacitor is still working or if it needs to be replaced.

The steps about testing a start capacitor are as follow

1.Please pay attention to make sure your device is unplugged and turned off before you find the capacitor. Where is the capacitor located?  Capacitors are metal tubes that store an electric charge usually found near a motor in the appliance. Use a screwdriver to open your machine and locate the capacitor. Use needle-nose pliers with an insulated handle to remove wires.

2.Find or purchase the screwdriver from a hardware store. The rubber will prevent electricity from traveling through the metal to your hand.

3.Wear a pair of gloves meant for housework or working with electricity. Since you’re using an insulated screwdriver, work gloves will work fine. For added protection against electricity, use tight-gripping gloves made with rubber

4.Hold the handle of the screwdriver so no part of your hand touches the metal. Have a firm grip on the handle, making sure you aren’t in contact with the metal. Even with gloves, the current running through the shaft can cause you harm.

5.Place the shaft of the screwdriver on the positive terminal. Set the screwdriver down so the terminal contacts the shaft 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the tip. The correct terminal will be marked with a plus sign (+). Make sure the screwdriver doesn’t touch the other terminal on the capacitor yet.

6.Tap the negative terminal with the tip of the screwdriver. While maintaining contact with the positive terminal, tilt the screwdriver so you make contact with the negative terminal. Once you make the connection, you’ll hear a small pop and see a spark on the tip of the screwdriver. Don’t be alarmed; this is the capacitor discharging completely.

7.Connect the terminals again to remove any residual charge. After the initial spark, keep the screwdriver on the terminals and tap the negative side with the tip 1 or 2 more times. Sometimes, leftover charge is still left in the capacitor.

8.Use the capacitance setting on a digital multimeter. Multimeters are electronic devices that read the voltage and capacitance of circuits or batteries. Find a multimeter with a dedicated capacitance setting for the most accurate readings.

9.Place the red probe on the positive terminal and the black probe on the negative. Hold the probes by their base without touching the metal pins on the end. Once both probes come into contact with the terminals on your capacitor, the readout on your multimeter will start to change.

10.Hold the probes in place until the numbers stop changing. The numbers will fluctuate for a few seconds after you connect the terminals if the capacitor is good. Wait until the readout has the same number for 5 seconds before disconnecting the probes.

Write down the capacitance number after you take a measurement so you can remember it.If the numbers do not move at all, the capacitor is considered open and needs to be replaced.