Capacitor Polarity HELP!

[aka Larry]

I'm sitting here looking at a start capacitor and a run capacitor for my lift (symptom indicates one is bad) and for the life of me I cannot find any marks to distinguish the anode from cathode. The terminals are exactly the same size and shape also. WTF? Any ideas on how to tell?

 

[A_Pmech]

AC capacitors are bi-polar.

 

[aka Larry]

Where do you guys order capacitors? I can't seem to find one with these specs:

250VAC
200uF
1.75" dia
3.375" lg.

 

[G_P]

As long as the uf number matches the physical size does not. The voltage can also be highter.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

That's a start cap. Did you try Graingers or a local motor rebuilder?

Tommy

 

[DenisG]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motor_capacitor

 

[larry_g]

Try the local pump or well repair shop.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[pattenp]

This one may fit.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/189-227-MFD...t-Capacitor-HVAC-250-vac-v-volt-/250996715368

 

[Trey T]

This below is good start but physical does matter because it has to fit into an enclosure.

As long as the uf number matches the physical size does not. The voltage can also be highter.

 

[BLUE72CAMARO]

I had to buy one for my drill press this summer. Local HVAC repair shop had one on the shelf.