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  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Clermont, Fl
    Posts
    586

    Default off topic electrical - checking capacitors

    How do you check a capacitor to see if it is any good....and how to do it without getting zapped?

    My swimming pool pump motor won't kick on - just a loud hum, then trips.

    I'm suspecting the capacitor.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Tallahassee, FL
    Posts
    14,071

    Default

    Mine sat there and got real hot before it finally tripped the breaker. It was junked. Decided to replace the whole thing as pump and motor were original from 2000. Went with this one and am very happy with it. Much quieter than original one and tons of power.

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/PENTAIR-SUPE...item5631a83533
    My Mom said I'm not allowed to get wet!
    2008 LSV (sold)
    2000 Outback LS (sold)
    LLTR!!!!!!!!



  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Stillwater, Oklahoma
    Posts
    400

    Default

    My best means of testing a start cap on a 110 electric motor was to replace it. They are relatively cheap. If the motor runs after replacing the cap, the old cap must be bad. If the motor doesn't run after replacing, the cap was not necessarily the problem.

    Doe the motor spin freely by hand? Can you get to it to test that?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Clermont, Fl
    Posts
    586

    Default

    youtube is a blessing. Got all the info I needed.

    The pool store "Pinch - A - Penny" has a capacitor meter and they agreed my problem was the cap.

    For $32 my pool pump runs like new. It was installed in 2003..

    Thanks for trying to help - appreciate it!

    Pat, I have the 1.5 HP PentAir.

    Yes, it does run pretty quiet.
    Last edited by slipperyrockTKE300; 06-17-2014 at 01:11 PM.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Tallahassee, FL
    Posts
    14,071

    Default

    Good for you! Mine was seized up and the pump had pieces falling off of it.
    My Mom said I'm not allowed to get wet!
    2008 LSV (sold)
    2000 Outback LS (sold)
    LLTR!!!!!!!!



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