A malfunctioning capacitor is a common cause of malfunctioning washing machines. A machine that won’t start or operates erratically can result from a failure of the capacitors, which help control the electrical current flowing through the motor. Although checking this component might seem like a job for a technician, you can troubleshoot it yourself if you have the right tools and some advice.
A multimeter or tester is among the best instruments for this task. These tools can assess the capacitor’s electrical charge, which will enable you to ascertain whether it is operating properly. Any do-it-yourself enthusiast will find that knowing how to use a tester is a useful skill that can save them both money and time.
We’ll walk you through the process of using a tester to inspect the capacitor in a washing machine in this guide. We’ll simplify it into clear, understandable instructions so you can feel comfortable handling the task on your own. All you’ll need to diagnose capacitor problems and fix your washing machine is a few simple tools and some perseverance.
- Testing a polar type element
- Testing a non-polar element
- Checking the capacity
- Does the voltage correspond to the nominal value?
- Video on the topic
- How to connect a POWERFUL MOTOR without a capacitor TO A SOCKET
- How to check a capacitor with a multimeter. For capacity, open circuit, short circuit
- How to QUICKLY check any capacitor
- How to check a capacitor with a multimeter for an open circuit Alexander Tokarev
Testing a polar type element
How can I use a multimeter to check the capacitor in a washing machine? You can complete the task with your own hands at home. Disconnecting starting devices from the electrical circuit is the best way to perform diagnostics on them. You can obtain readings that are more accurate as a result.
A polar or non-polar capacitor can be installed in an automatic washing machine. One crucial requirement must be met when inspecting a device of the first kind: its capacity must be greater than 0.25 μF. Together with a tester, let’s determine how to ring such a part.
The following technology will be used to use a multimeter to diagnose a polar capacitor:
- short-circuit the capacitor with tweezers, a fork, pliers, a screwdriver or other metal object. This is necessary to discharge the device. If everything is done correctly, a spark will appear;
- set the tester to ohmmeter mode;
- put the multimeter probes to the contacts of the capacitor, not forgetting to take into account the polarity;
- evaluate the readings on the device display.
A black multimeter probe is connected to the minus and a red multimeter probe to the plus when diagnosing a polar capacitor.
There is a short circuit if the tester beeps and the display reads "0." The capacitor broke because of this. As soon as the probes are connected, the multimeter’s unit will show that there is an internal break. The starting device will need to be changed in both situations.
It’s critical to carry out diagnostics accurately to avoid inaccurate device readings. For instance, touching the probes is forbidden when taking measurements. Due to the low resistance of the human body, the multimeter will display entirely different values when the current "flows" past the capacitor.
The capacitor must be discharged in order to perform its diagnostics. particularly if the gadget has a high voltage. This is done in two ways: first, to ensure safety; and second, to prevent damage to the multimeter. If the element’s residual voltage is high, the tester may burn out.
Testing a non-polar element
Even simpler to ring with a tester are non-polar starting devices. Megaohms is the first unit of measurement that is set on the multimeter. The probes are then attached to the capacitor’s contacts. The element is defective if the value displayed on the device is less than 2 mOhm.
Adhering to polarity is not necessary when inspecting single-pole capacitors.
A non-polar capacitor that has been recharged from a device that is protected from short circuits can be checked if it has a voltage of more than 400 volts. In series with the element is a resistor that has a resistance of at least 100 Ohms. By taking these safeguards, a sudden "jump" in current during startup will be avoided.
Examining a single-pole starting device by looking for a spark is an additional technique. The component needs to be charged up to full capacity. Next, the contacts need to be shorted out using an appropriate tool with an insulated handle (a screwdriver or pair of pliers would work well). The element’s operability will be indicated by a robust discharge. The tester measures the resistance on the legs of the capacitor after the spark appears.
Verifying the capacitor may assist you in determining the cause of your washing machine’s malfunction. This short tutorial will show you how to check the condition of the capacitor using a tester. You can avoid wasting time and money on repairs by using these steps to identify whether the capacitor needs to be replaced because they will help you determine if it is defective.
Checking the capacity
The nominal capacity of the capacitor is one of its most important features. The device will accumulate less and retain charge less well if the indicator dims over time. The capacity is measured and compared to the value indicated on the case in order to verify the operability of the starting element. There are certain unique aspects to the process.
Therefore, it will not be possible to measure the capacitor’s capacity quantitatively with a regular, low-cost multimeter. All you can do is confirm that the gadget is operational. The tester is moved to the dialing mode in order to inspect the element.
A distinctive sound ought to be audible after the probes have made contact with the capacitor legs. After that, the multimeter wires must be switched, and the squeak must occur again. If the starting device has a capacity greater than 0.1 μF, it will produce sound.
The multimeter will "beep" (ring the starting device) for a longer period of time the larger the working capacity of the capacitor.
You will need to locate a more specialized multimeter with adjustable plugs and special contact connectors in order to determine the device’s capacity if you want precise readings. Such a tester needs to be set to the nominal value printed on the starting capacitor’s body before beginning diagnostics.
After that, metal is released from the capacitor. Subsequently, its legs are fitted into unique "sockets" that are supplied on the multimeter. It is acceptable for there to be a small variation from the nominal capacity shown on the tester screen. The starting device is damaged if the indicator deviates noticeably from average.
Does the voltage correspond to the nominal value?
Measuring the capacitor’s voltage and comparing the resultant value to the nominal is another technique to confirm that it is operational. A power source that is lower in voltage than the tested starting device is necessary for the work.
For instance, a 9 volt power source will suffice if the capacitor has a voltage of 25 volts. The tester must then be switched to ohmmeter mode, its probes attached to the element legs, the polarity checked, and five seconds of waiting.
The voltage of the capacitor ought to be shown on the tester screen. When the number matches the norm, the starting device is operating as intended. The component will need to be changed if not.
| Step | Description |
| 1 | Turn off the washing machine and unplug it from the power source to ensure safety. |
| 2 | Locate the capacitor; it is usually a cylindrical or oval-shaped component inside the machine. |
| 3 | Discharge the capacitor by shorting its terminals with an insulated screwdriver. This prevents a shock hazard. |
| 4 | Set your tester to the capacitance measurement mode. If your tester doesn’t have this mode, use the resistance measurement mode. |
| 5 | Connect the tester probes to the capacitor terminals. Note the positive and negative connections if applicable. |
| 6 | Check the reading on the tester. Compare it to the capacitor’s rated value (usually marked on its side). |
| 7 | If the reading is significantly lower or higher than the rated value, the capacitor might be faulty and should be replaced. |
| 8 | Reconnect the capacitor and the washing machine if it"s in good condition, or replace it if necessary. |
Using a tester to check the capacitor in your washing machine may seem complicated at first, but it’s a simple process once you get the hang of it. You can make sure that the capacitor in your washing machine is operating correctly by following a few easy steps. Maintaining this part can prevent unplanned malfunctions as it is essential to turning on the motor and operating the machine effectively.
Always unplug your washing machine from the power source before starting any tests. First and foremost, safety! You’ll need a multimeter with the capacitance mode set after you’ve completed that. Note the reading after connecting the tester leads to the capacitor terminals. This reading should be compared to the capacitor’s rated value, which is typically indicated on the component’s side.
The capacitor may be defective and needs to be replaced if the reading on your tester differs noticeably from the capacitor’s rated value or if it displays no reading at all. By doing this routine maintenance, you can keep your washing machine in good operating order and steer clear of any possible problems. Your appliance will last longer and function more smoothly with a little routine maintenance.
