Ha ha ha ... we've found Joey's kryptonite!

I was electrocuted in my high school electronics class fooling around with 300VDC hand-to-hand.

Once bitten, twice shy.

 

I was electrocuted in my high school electronics class fooling around with 300VDC hand-to-hand.

Once bitten, twice shy.

I've had my share of scares too ... and learned my lessons. So I always double check that all power sources have been physically disconnected (and not just switched off) before working on whatever I'm servicing. I also check that large caps have been completely discharged.... but I'm not shy when it comes to sticking a pair of mm probes when working with voltages of up to 440VAC.... although I'm extremely careful, of course.

My dad used to tell me that I was allowed only ONE mistake in my lifetime when working with high power electricity ... because I'd never get the chance again of making a second mistake.

 

BTW, I already sliced open my forehead while working on the motor.

I had the breaker box open (the lid locks open at a horizontal position) and I was down on the ground loosening bolts. As I stood up, I hit my forehead on the sharpest corner of the lid.

1" gash from hairline (what hairline?) to mid-forehead. Blood everywhere. My 11 yo daughter had to do first aid on me.

I am not mechanically -- or electrically (as in line power) -- inclined. Nor medically -- I hate the sight of blood.

I usually have the wife call a handyman (or the proper professional) for this kind of work. Serves me right for trying to save a few bucks.

 

So I always double check...

Double check? Is that it???!

I am far more paranoid than that!

The paranoia serves me well. Especially when handling guns -- which I check multiple times even when I know they are unloaded.

 

BTW, I already sliced open my forehead while working on the motor.

I had the breaker box open (the lid locks open at a horizontal position) and I was down on the ground loosening bolts. As I stood up, I hit my forehead on the sharpest corner of the lid.

1" gash from hairline (what hairline?) to mid-forehead. Blood everywhere. My 11 yo daughter had to do first aid on me.

I am not mechanically -- or electrically (as in line power) -- inclined. Nor medically -- I hate the sight of blood.

I usually have the wife call a handyman (or the proper professional) for this kind of work. Serves me right for trying to save a few bucks.

Ouch! ... too bad about your mishap, but I'm glad to hear you have a daughter that cares for you, man.

 

Double check? Is that it???!

I am far more paranoid than that!

The paranoia serves me well. Especially when handling guns -- which I check multiple times even when I know they are unloaded.

Guns!? ... now those I hate ... almost as bad as spiders!

 

Guns!? ... now those I hate ... almost as bad as spiders!

Come visit and spend some time shooting with me. You will quickly learn to love them.

 

Come visit and spend some time shooting with me. You will quickly learn to love them.

sure ... and after that we can go to my place and you can play with my Tesla coil ...

 

The cap is rated 189µF to 227µF and 110VAC.

It is reading out as 183µF. Shouldn't this be OK?

And why is a 110VAC cap on a 220VAC rated motor? Or does the cap "see" less than 110VAC in operation?

 

The cap is rated 189µF to 227µF and 110VAC.

It is reading out as 183µF. Shouldn't this be OK?

And why is a 110VAC cap on a 220VAC rated motor? Or does the cap "see" less than 110VAC in operation?

Sounds good to me. And yes, depending on the type of motor the cap might be subject to a different voltage than what the motor's being fed.
Honestly, I'd dismount the motor and inspect its windings. You said that power is indeed reaching the motor, right? You did make mm measurements?

 

Normally I would expect to see a 250v rated cap, minimum. Or actually larger as it is a 120/240v motor!!
It will be subjected to 120vac when in operation.
The capacity value look fine, did you try to measure continuity across the centrifugal/start switch?
Max.

 

Motor is a few years old. Power on makes loud buzz for 2 seconds and breaker trips. Rotor turns freely.

Is it cap or do I need new motor? How do I test?

As smart as I am, I am an engineer, not electrician. I have great respect for electricians!

View attachment 152993 View attachment 152994

I'd check the centrifugal switch first.

 

I recall now you are using it on 240v so if you do get a replacement cap, I would use a 350v version.
Max.

 

I recall now you are using it on 240v so if you do get a replacement cap, I would use a 350v version.
Max.

Yeah, but can a cap like that one pass an mm test and still be damaged?

 

Yeah, but can a cap like that one pass an mm test and still be damaged?

Anything is possible.
There are basically only three things, the cap, the switch and the motor.
One is Kaput!
Max.

 

There is a dead short across the power terminals. I just had the Pinch-a-Penny guy try to start it up and sparks flew.

I am sure any one of you guys could make short work of diagnosing and repairing the motor, but I have neither the time, wherewithal, or parts.

I'm just going to replace it.

Thanks, all, for your insight.

 

I have neither the time, wherewithal, or parts.

And Time, being your most valuable asset, should be spent wisely. Good luck.

 

I was a little disappointed that the towel was thrown in early, especially when all of seven members were willing to offer the time of diagnosing what most likely is quite a simple result.
If the case was passed over to some 'replacement' Jockey then I'm not surprised at the outcome.
It is too bad that @#12 is not closer to you.
Incidentally I have not seen any posting of his lately??
Max.

 

I was a little disappointed that the towel was thrown in early, especially when all of seven members were willing to offer the time of diagnosing what most likely is quite a simple result.
If the case was passed over to some 'replacement' Jockey then I'm not surprised at the outcome.
It is too bad that @#12 is not closer to you.
Incidentally I have not seen any posting of his lately??
Max.

In the mean time, my pool was turning green.

 

$300 and three days later;