Troubleshooting single-phase refrigeration compressors requires a technician to have a proficient understanding of capacitors. The start capacitor is one of two types of capacitors that can be found on single-phase compressors. Understanding how to troubleshoot and replace a defective starting capacitor is essential when working with these compressors.
The start capacitor is used to boost the starting torque of a compressor’s motor. This is done by placing the start capacitor in series with the start winding during the starting of the compressor. As current flows through the start capacitor and the start winding, the capacitor causes the start winding to become out of phase with the run winding.