Identifying proper capacitor for HVAC

hvac

I plan on replacing my my home HVAC condenser fan motor, as well as the compressor contactor, and the capacitor.

The current condenser fan motor is a TradePro TP-C16-1SP2 which requires a 10 μF run capacitor, per the label:

TradePro TP-C16-1SP2 condenser fan motor

The replacement condenser fan motor will be a Rheem/Protech 51-100999-03 which requires a 3 μF /370 VAC capacitor, per the label:

Rheem/Protech 51-100999-03 condenser fan motor

Both fan motors are rated at 1075 RPM and 1/6 HP.

The compressor is a Copeland ZR32KA-PFV-130 scroll compressor which requires a 50 μF/370 VAC run capacitor, per the label:

Copeland ZR32KA-PFV-130 scroll compressor

Currently, the only capacitor I found when I removed the cover on the A/C unit outside was a Titan Pro TOC10 10 μF/370 VAC run capacitor. I believe this is what is known as a single capacitor rather than dual capacitor.

Titan Pro TOC10

It seems as though this is the proper capacitor to run the TradePro condenser fan motor. However, I don't see a capacitor for the compressor.

Here is an image of the schematic for the compressor and condensor assembly:

enter image description here

What capacitor should I use for the new condenser fan motor and compressor combination?

Edit: Okay, so I think I neglected to identify the start capacitor which I believe is pictured here:

enter image description here

If that is the start capacitor, then the wiring appears to be normal, and I can just get a start capacitor that matches the specs for the compressor (and of course, a run capacitor for the condenser motor).

Best Answer

Buy a 50-3 dual capacitor. Titan part number TRCD503 is a good replacement. Just be sure to double check part numbers because manufactures offer both round and oval shapes. If it doesn't fit in that original mounting hole, you might need to buy a bracket for it and mount it yourself.

You can also leave the compressor capacitor in place and install a separate 3uF fan capacitor. It won't hurt the dual capacitor to have its fan terminal unused. Just be sure it's voltage rating is more than the line voltage so a 370 or greater volt rating is fine. Make sure the value is 3uF and the capacitor construction is of the film type.

My opinion: replace the compressor cap as well. Especially if the unit is 10+ years old.

If you add a separate capacitor, make a note on the units schematic for future reference with a service date.

By the way, that equipment grounding conductor (EGC) looks a little on the small side. Should be no smaller than 10 AWG for 30-60 amp circuits.