CAP006 Generic Motor Capacitor 6uF 450V 63x30mm Plastic with M8 Stud, Universal Appliance Part

CAP006 is a generic 6uF capacitor rated at 450V, housed in a 63 x 30mm plastic body with an M8 mounting stud. You'll find capacitors like this helping single phase motors start and run in washing machines, dryers, fans and air conditioners. It's a universal part, so match the capacitance and voltage on your old capacitor's label to this one before ordering.

Motor humming but not starting? Test the capacitor

A motor capacitor gives a single phase motor the phase shift it needs to start turning and, in many designs, to keep running efficiently. As capacitors age they lose capacitance, and heat speeds that up. The classic symptoms are a motor that hums but won't start, starts only if you give it a spin by hand, runs slowly or hot, or trips its overload. A bulging or leaking case is a giveaway. With the power isolated and the capacitor discharged, a multimeter with a capacitance setting will show whether it's still close to its rated 6uF.

Part details

• Generic universal capacitor, part CAP006
• 6uF capacitance
• 450V rating
• 63 x 30mm plastic body
• M8 mounting stud

Safe capacitor replacement

Unplug the appliance or switch it off at the wall. Anything hard-wired should be isolated at the switchboard and left to a licensed electrician. Capacitors can hold a charge after the power is off, so discharge it safely before touching the terminals. Photograph the wiring first and connect the new capacitor the same way. Check the body fits the space and the M8 stud lines up with the mounting hole.

Questions about this part

Can I use a capacitor with a higher voltage rating?

The capacitance must match, so stick with 6uF if that's what your old one shows. A voltage rating equal to or higher than the original is generally fine, and this one is rated at 450V.