I Need an Info Source for Too High AC Capacitor

[fanofcart]

Hello all...I need a reference that shows that using a too high AC capacitor will burn up a fan motor.

Company 1 came out one evening because our central AC wasn't working. The capacitor in the outside condensor unit was replaced. After this the fan would operate for about 30 seconds after the AC was on, then it would cut off. A 12.5 mF capacitor was put in when a 5 mF was called for.

I called Company 2 for a second opinion when Company 1 tried to tell me I need to change the whole ball of wax. Company 2 noticed that the capacitor was the wrong one. I got upset and called Company 1 back and told them what Company 2 said. Company 1 claimed that a too high capacitor would NOT damage the fan motor but I know that this is untrue.

That is why I need a reference to prove to Company 1 that their over-mF capacitor burned out my fan motor. Thanks a bunch!

[Piper]

Somebody can correct me if im wrong but, I was taught it is ok to use a larger capacitor but not a smaller mF as long as the voltage was correct.

[HayZee518]

you are correct. as long as the voltage rating is correct, the value [within reason] can be any value at or above the engineered value.

[fanofcart]

Maybe I Should Have Said Volts not mF

I'm not sure if it my unit called for 5 volts or 5 mF. A 12.5 *something* was installed, instead of a 5--could it have been volts?

[mud]

The 12.5 and 5 is the uf (microfarad) the volt rating would have been like 370 or 440. Its ok to put a higher voltage rated cap in but uf should be the same. Higher or lower is not good.

[fanofcart]

Thanks Mud but I need documentation.

The 12.5 and 5 is the uf (microfarad) the volt rating would have been like 370 or 440. Its ok to put a higher voltage rated cap in but uf should be the same. Higher or lower is not good.

Thanks Mud, this is what I was told. But I need a referenced documentation about this as Company 1 is charging me for their mistake that Company 2 caught.
Do you or anyone have a link, address or phone number as to where I can obtain the referenced documentation regarding this?
Thanks!

[fanofcart]

I checked, it is microFarads not volts.

Anyone out there have the answer?

[Java_Bob]

it should be stamped/ or a label on the old motor saying what is required

was probably 5MFD 370Volt

good luck

[HayZee518]

you wanted documentation - here's what I found

http://dnr.louisiana.gov/sec/execdiv/techasmt/ecep/hvac/d/d.htm

[fanofcart]

Thank you!!

Thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you!