Re: power factor cap? (fwd)

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Original poster: List moderator <mod1@xxxxxxxxxx>



---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Mon, 11 Dec 2006 10:21:31 EST
From: Mddeming@xxxxxxx
To: tesla@xxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: power factor cap? (fwd)

 
In a message dated 12/11/06 8:24:15 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
tesla@xxxxxxxxxx writes:

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sun, 10 Dec 2006  21:24:42 -0800 (PST)
From: russell dischar  <hightechredneck2005@xxxxxxxxx>
To: Tesla list  <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: power factor cap?

I am trying to  get a power factor cap of around 550 uf. I tried some of
the big black ones  from inside a computer monitor Alum./electrolyte with
really smokin  results. i litterally mean smokin. What type of caps are
used for this and  can i get one one for cheap. I have a bunch of old tvs
and  monitors.

thanks
Russ



Hi Russ,
 
    You need "motor run caps" rated 180 V or higher for  a 110-125 V motor 
and 330 V or higher for a 220-240 V motor. Even using a much  higher voltage 
rated cap doesn't hurt anything except your wallet.  ;^) You will probably need 
several caps in parallel to get up to your 550  uf. 
    The caps you were trying to use were "electrolytic  caps" and they are 
specifically designed as DC filters. These, or any other  "polarized cap" 
(marked with a positive and negative end) are not useable  for this application. If 
AC is applied to them, the corrosive chemicals  inside start to boil within 
seconds; some go "pffffftttt", while others go  "BOOM-SPLAT" :^((  
 
Hope this helps,
 
Matt D.