new AC capacitor is different physical size, reason for concern?

[WIHD]

Capacitor went out on home AC a week back, I swapped in one I had on the shelf. Its on the right in the image.

Being proactive, I ordered a replacement to put on the shelf, same unit, Jard 12783. Only $10 so nice to have around.

New item arrived and its a different size then the original. Is this a reason for concern? Just don't want some counterfeit item etc.

I have not installed and tested it (yet).

Appreciate any input. Thanks.

Edit: I already emailed Mars/Jard asking this question, not sure I'll get a response (?)

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[The Metric System]

I have seen this type of size variation in capacitors occasionally and would not be concerned about it.

The relevant MARS catalog page actually has a note indicating that capacitors will occasionally be put inside of a smaller case:

https://www.marsdelivers.com/images/98605_catalog/J-5.pdf

 

[mm08822]

No. As long as the microfarad rating and voltage are the same as the original.

 

[mike93lx]

I bet the bigger casing corresponds with another model in their lineup and is just what was available at the time of production.

 

[WIHD]

I have seen this type of size variation in capacitors occasionally and would not be concerned about it.

The relevant MARS catalog page actually has a note indicating that capacitors will occasionally be put inside of a smaller case:

https://www.marsdelivers.com/images/98605_catalog/J-5.pdf

Thanks. Why resize something to save 3/4 cm (?) in height.....
...for this change, doesn't quite make sense only to confuse customers and potentially create something that no longer fits in a unit (whether its AC or something else)

 

[mike93lx]

Thanks. Why resize something to save 3/4 cm (?) in height.....
...for this change, doesn't quite make sense only to confuse customers and potentially create something that no longer fits in a unit (whether its AC or something else)

Could save machine setup time if they run multiple sizes into a single casing. No idea if they make the cases on site, but if not, it could also save money to buy larger quantities of individual sizes.

Could also be that their machines run better with certain size cases.

 

[purplezr2]

Thanks. Why resize something to save 3/4 cm (?) in height.....
...for this change, doesn't quite make sense only to confuse customers and potentially create something that no longer fits in a unit (whether its AC or something else)

cm.... Freedom units please.

All kidding aside. Guessing like other said likely MFG synergy or plain and simple cost, less metal equals less cost.

 

[WIHD]

Could save machine setup time if they run multiple sizes into a single casing. No idea if they make the cases on site, but if not, it could also save money to buy larger quantities of individual sizes.

Could also be that their machines run better with certain size cases.

....thinking of working on (say) a vehicle and removing a bad part (alternator or whatnot) then the 'new' part is a different size creating a headache and a return and more time sourcing the proper part. Been there. Thanks.

 

[mike93lx]

....thinking of working on (say) a vehicle and removing a bad part (alternator or whatnot) then the 'new' part is a different size creating a headache and a return and more time sourcing the proper part. Been there. Thanks.

But that really isn't a problem for a cap. Smaller, especially a relatively minor change, is incredibly unlikely to pose a problem in a a/c unit

 

[WIHD]

cm.... Freedom units please.

All kidding aside. Guessing like other said likely MFG synergy or plain and simple cost, less metal equals less cost.

I thought of that...though I cannot imagine saving 3/4 cm of material is worth the time and effort etc. Its not like they're saving half the material per unit. Just makes it confusing...and from some reviews on the product I am not alone in my confusion. Thanks.

 

[WIHD]

Surprisingly got an email response from Mars... "The sizes were modified in early 2024."

Guess I will keep the item though will install and ensure it works first.

Thanks for all the input.

 

[bonneyman]

As long as the mfd/voltage rating is the same, there's no issues. In fact, one can install a cap with a larger voltage rating in total safety. Like say your existing cap was a 370v - you could replace it with a 440v rated cap - as long as the mfd rating matched - no problem.

In fact, caps were getting so cheap I stopped carrying 370 volt caps at all and went all 440 volts. It's a matter of the thickness and/or quality of the internal insulation. Higher voltage caps had better insulation to get that higher rating, and I figured - as cheap as caps were - why not pay a bit more and add some insurance against future failure. Small price to pay. That's when I ran into size issues, as those 440v caps were often dimensionally bigger than the existing 370v one. Took some adjusting.

 

[fitter30]

As long as the voltage ,mfd is the same and can fit in the electric box its good to go. Side note if it's rated at a higher voltage it still will work with no problem.