| Capacitance Range | Approximately 1 to 100 µF for many AC motor-run applications; larger values may be available for special designs. | Confirm the exact capacitance value, whether the value is single or dual, and whether the product supports the motor's starting and running requirements. | Check the rated capacitance, measurement frequency, test temperature, and capacitance tolerance stated on the datasheet. |
| Capacitance Tolerance | Common tolerances include ±5%, ±10%, and ±15%, depending on the design and application. | A tighter tolerance can help maintain predictable motor current and power-factor performance, but may affect cost and availability. | Compare the marked tolerance with the tolerance measured in incoming inspection samples. |
| Rated Voltage | Common AC ratings include 250 V, 370 V, 400 V, 450 V, and 500 V; exact offerings vary by construction. | Select a voltage rating suitable for the motor circuit, including operating variation, transient stress, and the required safety margin. | Verify whether the rating is AC RMS, the operating frequency, the permitted overvoltage, and the applicable test voltage. |
| Frequency | Typically designed for 50 Hz or 60 Hz AC motor circuits; some products are specified for both frequencies. | Ensure that the capacitor's rated frequency matches the intended electrical system and motor application. | Review the datasheet for frequency-specific capacitance, loss, temperature rise, and endurance data. |
| Dielectric Material | Metallized polypropylene film is widely used for AC motor-run capacitors because of its low loss and self-healing behavior. | Compare film construction, metallization quality, self-healing design, and resistance to humidity and temperature cycling. | Request material declarations, cross-section information where appropriate, and production-process quality records. |
| Capacitor Construction | Common forms include cylindrical plastic cases, aluminum cans, and resin-filled or oil-filled constructions. | Match the case design, sealing method, mounting arrangement, and terminal layout to the equipment and available installation space. | Check dimensions, mounting-hole geometry, terminal spacing, sealing performance, and mechanical-strength test results. |
| Operating Temperature | Typical climate categories include 40/70/21, 40/85/21, or similar ratings, where the first number indicates the lower temperature and the second the upper temperature in °C. | Choose a temperature class that covers the motor compartment, ambient conditions, ventilation limitations, and expected thermal cycling. | Confirm the climate category, maximum case temperature, temperature-rise limits, and derating requirements. |
| Endurance Life | Common endurance declarations range from several thousand hours to 10,000 hours or more, depending on voltage, temperature, and construction. | Compare life at the actual operating voltage and temperature rather than comparing an hours figure alone. | Request endurance-test conditions, test duration, failure criteria, sample size, and capacitance-change limits. |
| Dissipation Factor | Polypropylene-film motor-run capacitors generally have low dielectric losses, but the exact value depends on design and test conditions. | Lower losses can reduce internal heating and support longer service life, especially in continuously operated motors. | Compare the dissipation factor at the stated frequency and temperature, including any permitted production tolerance. |
| Safety and Failure Mode | Available safety features may include pressure-sensitive disconnection, fuse protection, segmented metallization, or other controlled-failure designs. | For enclosed equipment, prioritize a controlled failure mode and suitable protection against rupture, leakage, and fire risk. | Verify the applicable safety classification, overpressure behavior, flame-resistance information, and certification scope. |
| Applicable Standards | Commonly referenced requirements include IEC 60252-1 for AC motor capacitors and relevant national or regional adoption of this standard. | Confirm that the standard edition and certification match the destination market and product application. | Check certificate numbers, scope, rated-product family, surveillance status, and whether the certificate covers the supplied configuration. |
| Environmental Compliance | Export products may be supplied with documentation addressing RoHS, REACH, and restricted-substance requirements. | Ensure the compliance documents cover the complete capacitor, including terminals, coatings, resin, packaging, and supplied accessories. | Request current declarations, material-content reports, and laboratory test reports when required by the importing market. |
| Terminals and Wiring | Typical options include faston terminals, wire leads, screw terminals, and dual-terminal configurations. | Compare terminal type, wire length, insulation rating, polarity marking where applicable, and resistance to vibration. | Review pull-force tests, terminal-temperature ratings, crimp or weld quality, and connector compatibility. |
| Ingress Protection | Protection levels vary by case, sealing method, and terminal design; no single IP rating applies to all run capacitors. | Select a product suitable for moisture, dust, oil, condensation, and outdoor exposure in the final equipment. | Verify the tested IP level, sealing method, humidity endurance, and whether the rating applies to the complete installed assembly. |
| Mechanical and Vibration Resistance | Products may be designed for appliance, HVAC, pump, fan, compressor, and industrial-motor environments with different vibration demands. | Compare case rigidity, mounting strength, terminal retention, and resistance to transportation and operating vibration. | Request vibration, shock, terminal-strength, and mounting-load test information for the intended application. |
| Quality-Control Documentation | Typical documentation can include incoming-material records, process inspection reports, final electrical tests, and batch traceability. | Suppliers with clear traceability and documented testing are easier to qualify for repeat export orders. | Review sample inspection reports, serial or batch coding, calibration records, nonconformance procedures, and corrective-action records. |
| Customization Capability | Possible customization may include capacitance, voltage, case dimensions, terminal arrangement, wire length, labels, and packaging. | Confirm minimum order quantity, tooling charges, sample lead time, approval process, and change-control procedures before ordering. | Require an approved drawing, golden sample, specification sheet, and written control of any future material or process changes. |
| Packaging and Export Readiness | Suitable export packaging normally uses separators, moisture protection, impact-resistant cartons, and clear batch identification. | Packaging should protect terminals and cases from deformation, abrasion, moisture, and mixed-batch confusion during international transport. | Check carton dimensions, pallet configuration, packaging drop tests, labeling requirements, and shipping-document accuracy. |