[AMPS] Fan motor capacitors

[Steve Eldridge]

I've found the recent discussion on fan performance, pressures and flow
rates very interesting and informative.

My question concerns the capacitors that are necessary to run these fans
on single-phase mains.

I have several large(ish) fans, a couple of which specify a capacitor of
3.2 uF on the rating plate. The others don't mention the  capacitance
required, but start and seem to run OK on 3 uF.

Is the capacitance needed just to kick the motor off in the right
direction, or does it's value have any effect on the power that the
motor produces when running? I have plenty of suitable caps and can
increase/reduce capacitance in 1 uF steps.

Sorry, but electric motor theory is not one of my best subjects!

Thanks and 73 Steve G8IZY.


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