What is an AC Capacitor?
An AC capacitor is an electrocomponent that, in basic terms, stores electrical energy for a short period or releases energy stored in some other form. This type of apparatus is present in electronic devices or electrical appliances operating on alternating current supply for correct working of the devices.
Electrical circuits benefit from AC capacitors by improving their power factor. It is necessary to have reactive power in a device’s power factor in order to measure its energy efficiency. In AC circuits, reactive power occurs because voltage and current are phase-different. Reactive power can be stored and released by a capacitor, thereby increasing the power factor.
Common Reason of AC Capacitor Keeps Blowing
Capacitors are subject to wear and tear due to their tough job. ACs often need more repairs due to their capacitors failing than other parts. A capacitor’s failure is most commonly caused by the following factors.
Damaged Parts
In order to prevent overheating, capacitors must be cooled every couple of seconds. It can cause the capacitor to overheat, however, if the fan motor or compressor drags due to wear or damage. Overheating can also occur when a relay switch fails, causing the capacitor to run too long.
Overheat
Air conditioning units usually have capacitors deep inside their bodies since they are heat-sensitive. Heat can affect their capacity to hold a charge, which reduces their efficiency. As a result, their life spans can be reduced and they may fail sooner than expected. This usually means replacing your capacitor, as recommended by technicians. Shade your AC unit to avoid heat exposure. You should also replace the filter on a regular basis to prevent hot air from getting trapped.
Electrical Overload
Around three-quarters of the fan motor and compressor are powered by an AC capacitor. Once it has run for a short period of time, it will disengage. An electrical overload can destroy the capacitor if the motor is physically blocked. Other power surges and lightning strikes can also damage capacitors.
Wrong Voltage Rating
There are many different shapes and sizes of AC capacitors. The new capacitor should match the old capacitor’s specifications when you complete any type of heating or air conditioning repair. The capacitors may be replaced on their own by inexperienced technicians and some individuals.
Additionally, a malfunctioning capacitor can result from this. Capacitors are not capable of doing much more than they are expected to do. Your AC unit may not be damaged or harmed by an undersized capacitor. Capacitors aren’t capable of handling much more than they are expected to. Your heater or air conditioner will need another repair within a short time as a result.
Old Capacitor
The shelf life of a capacitor is the same as that of everything else in life. The average AC capacitor lasts about 20 years. Most heat and air conditioning repair companies examine the capacitor last because it has such a long lifespan. Capacitors are expected to last for many years. Capacitors may wear out faster due to some variables. Because the capacitor is doing more work with a more frequent cycle, it will wear out much faster.
Short Circuits
When two points of low resistance are unintentionally connected, a short circuit can blow a capacitor. Electrical short circuits can cause excessive current flow through capacitors, causing them to fail due to an overflow of current.
Signs of a Faulty AC Capacitor
If your AC Capacitor Keeps Blowing, then there are a lot of faulty signs of Capacitor of your AC which you can see. Some of the signs are given below:
Humming Noise
It is possible to hear a humming or buzzing noise coming from a faulty capacitor. Electric arcs or trouble starting the capacitor are often responsible for this noise.
AC Not Work at All
If your air-conditioning unit is not working at all or simply does not switch on, the probable reason could be a faulty capacitor. The said capacitor must charge up before the air-conditioning unit can start. The AC system may not receive the necessary electrical boost if this is not done.
Shuts Down Randomly
One of the signs of a faulty capacitor may be an air-conditioning system that goes out of operation from time to time. In all these instances, there will still be discomfort in the house since the cooling process will be hindered. One of the underlying causes making the AC system go off may again be a faulty capacitor, which must be warned.
Slow Cooling Cycle
Slow cooling cycles can be caused by a malfunctioning capacitor. When your AC system fails to cool the space adequately, it may take longer to reach the desired temperature. An inefficient capacitor indicates a possible fault, which should be addressed.
Burning Smell
A faulty capacitor could cause your AC unit to emit smoke or smell burning. Smoke or a burning smell can be caused by overheating or internal damage to the capacitor. For the sake of preventing future damage or potential hazards, this issue must be addressed immediately.
Higher Bills
The faulty capacitor simply does not help much towards the energy-saving capabilities of an AC system. Because a faulty capacitor may actually drive up the energy bill, achieving the cooling effect, thus causing the users to continuously strive to find an alternative. With a faulty capacitor, a sudden spike in your energy bills would not be uncommon.
Final Verdict
Overvoltage, exceeding the rated ripples current of the capacitor, is the most common cause of a field failure. Should you spot signs of failure, call in a professional. Moreover, you can read the causes given above in the AC Capacitor Keeps Blowing article, which will help you to understand the signs of failure.
