Check fan capacitor - ceiling fan

Fan capacitor checking ceiling fan - Check any fan capacitor

This is the simplest, shortest and perfect article on how to check ceiling fan capacitor or any fan capacitor.

To check any fan capacitor use a series bulb test lamp. Connect the test lamp to a 220 volt Ac socket. Then connect the test probes to the capacitor terminals. If the bulb glows somewhat brighter, then that capacitor is good.

Ceiling fan capacitor

Ceiling fan capacitor

This type of capacitors are used in common ceiling fans. The values may vary but the size and shape are almost the same type. The capacitor will be fixed about the fan motor using a plastic or metal holder.

Wall fan or other types of fan capacitor

wall fan capacitor

Table fan, wall fan, pedestal fan or any other types of fan's usually have this type of capacitor. They will be screwed to the swing mechanism at the back side of the motor.

Disconnecting the capacitor

The capacitor will be connected to the starting and running coil terminals. In common the starting and running coil wire colors will be red and yellow. The phase and neutral will be connected to the red and black wire. Black wire will be common to both coils.

Watch this video in malayalam on how to check the fan / Ceiling fan capacitor @electronicselectricalmalayalam

How to test / check fan capacitor

After disconnecting the capacitor from the fan first make sure to discharge it by shorting the terminals.

Then to check the cap you must have a series bulb test lamp. A series bulb is used to check electrical and electronic components.

To check it's simple. Connect the series bulb to an Ac socket. Then check the capacitor buy touching the cap terminals using the series test lamp test probes. Now if the bulb glows a bit brighter, then that capacitor must be good.

Even if the bulb glows, you must check by shorting the capacitor terminals. There must be a good spark if the capacitor is good. If the bulb is not glowing then that fan capacitor must be faulty.

Reconnect the capacitor with a new one. The fan will more faster than before.

Check fan capacitor using a plug socket

Another way to check fan capacitor is by connecting it to a 220 volt Ac socket and hold there for a while. Then take it out and short the terminals. The capacitor should discharge with a good spark. If there is a spark then the capacitor must be a good one.

Conclusion

If the fan is running slow then the capacitor itself must not be the reason. You must check the coils bearing and shaft too.

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