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Wild_Bill Wild_Bill is offline
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Default size capacitor for a fan motor

Is the fan a single, or multispeed model?

Can you determine what type of motor is there? (can't see from here).

Is a distinct click heard as the motor is slowing down after turning it off?

Are there 3 power leads for the motor, or only 2?

Have you checked for the availability of ceiling fan capacitors at local
stores? Many stores sell the low-value (uF, mfd) AC capacitors as
replacement parts for ceiling fans.

Are the motor bearings in good condition, clean and properly oiled?

A 400 uF/mfd AC capacitor is a very poor choice for a motor that size, IMO.

As jimboxn suggested, a low value AC capacitor is likely appropriate.. my
choices would be from 3 to about 12uF if the motor is a PSC type motor.

--
Cheers,
WB
..............


"Wendell" wrote in message
...
Hello -- I have a Patton air circulator: Model 1010MP Style SH-74SP-R
120V 60 Hz 350W 3.8 Amps. This is a metal pedestal fan with about a
30" blade diameter. The company that bought Patton does not
manufacture this type of fan and has no info about it. It was
probably manufactured in the 1970's, but still runs fine. The problem
is getting it to run.

About 10 years ago, the motor began to hum when I'd turn it on and it
would take a long time for the fan to get up to speed. I took the
capacitor off and the only local replacement I could find was a Baldor
400-480 MFD 110-125 VAC. The original capacitor mounted outside the
motor and measured about 1 3/8" x 3 1/2". I've since lost the
original capacitor, and there is no capacitor info inside or outside
the motor.

This substitute capacitor is not appropriate. When I turn the fan on,
the blades move very slowly, and I have to disconnect the capacitor to
get them to spin at normal speed.

Would a fan motor of this size typically require a start, run or run/
start capacitor? What size would be a good guess?

Thanks in advance,
Wendell