Articles
How-to guides and capacitor diagnosis articles, written for DIYers, not specialists.
Motor hums then trips? How a CD60 start capacitor works, how to read a µF range like 161-193, what voltage to match, and when the relay is the real fault.
How to Identify Your Pump’s Mechanical Seal (NZ)Identify your pump’s mechanical seal in 5 steps: NZ shaft sizes (3/8″-1″ and 12-18mm) plus OEM cross-references for Onga, Davey, Waterco, Astral and DAB.
Capacitor Cross Reference: OEM Part Number to SpecTurn an OEM capacitor part number into a µF and voltage spec: a 3-step cross-reference method with real AstralPool, Davey and DAB examples.
Bore Pump Starts Then Cuts Out: Capacitor or Not?Bore pump runs a few minutes then trips out? How a drifted run capacitor overheats the motor, how to test it, and real NZ pump capacitor sizes 8-70µF.
Spa Pump Hums But Won’t Start: What to Check FirstSpa pump humming but not starting? NZ triage: capacitor vs controller vs seized shaft, plus OEM-documented Davey spa pump capacitor sizes (8-40µF).
Washing Machine Won’t Spin: Is the Capacitor Dead?Washing machine hums but won’t spin? How to tell if the motor capacitor is dead, why F&P SmartDrives don’t have one, and what size to buy in NZ.
What size capacitor does my pool pump need?What size capacitor does your pool pump need? How to read the µF and voltage off your own pump, typical ranges, and CBB60/CBB65 vs CD60. NZ guide.
5 signs your pump capacitor is failingThe 5 most common signs of a failing pump capacitor, what they mean for your motor, and how to check and replace it safely in NZ.
Run vs start capacitor: which does my pump use?Run vs start capacitor explained for pump motors: how they differ, how to tell which your pump uses, and CBB60/CBB65 vs CD60 body codes. NZ guide.
How to read a pump capacitor label (µF & voltage)Learn how to read a pump capacitor label: µF, MFD, voltage rating, tolerance and frequency markings, so you order the right replacement in NZ.
Pump capacitor wiring: 2-terminal vs 3-terminalPump capacitor wiring explained: 2-terminal single run caps vs 3-terminal dual-run caps, terminal types, and why to photograph wiring first.
Pressure Pump Won’t Build Pressure? Capacitor & Other CausesRuns but won’t reach pressure? Rule out lost prime, a blocked foot valve and a flat pressure tank first, then test the capacitor and size the replacement.
Pool pump hums but won’t start? Check the capacitorPool pump hums but won’t start? A failed capacitor is the usual cause. NZ DIY guide to diagnose safely and pick the right CBB60/CBB65 replacement.
How to Test a Pump Capacitor with a Multimeter (Safely)Isolate, discharge, disconnect, then read µF on your meter. What healthy, weak and dead readings look like (35µF ±5% = 33.25-36.75µF) and what to buy.
CBB60 vs CBB65 vs CD60: which for your pump?CBB60 vs CBB65 vs CD60 explained: run vs start capacitors, duty type, terminals and how to pick the right one for your NZ pump.
Higher µF or Voltage Pump Capacitor? What’s Safe to FitHigher voltage is fine; higher µF is not. Why a 450V cap can replace a 370V one, why µF must match the label within ±5%, plus a quick substitution table.
Why Do Capacitors Fail? Heat, Voltage, and the 10-Year QuestionWhy do capacitors fail? Learn the real causes (heat, voltage spikes, and ageing), plus how long a CBB60 motor run capacitor lasts in NZ conditions.
CBB60 vs CBB61 - Which Capacitor Do I Need?CBB60, CBB61 or CBB65? Tell them apart by size, terminal count and µF range, see which appliances use each, and confirm the right replacement for yours.
How to Read a CBB60 Capacitor Label (NZ Buyer’s Guide)How to read a CBB60 capacitor label: µF, voltage, tolerance, temperature class and safety stamps, and which ones your replacement must match.
What’s a Run Capacitor and What Does it Do?What a run capacitor does, how it differs from a start capacitor, where you’ll find one at home, the signs it has failed and how to pick a replacement.
Why µF matters more than voltage when matching a replacementMatch the µF on the label within ±5%; voltage can be the same or higher, never lower. Why the two numbers behave differently, plus a quick cheat sheet.
Pool pump won’t start: capacitor or motor?90% of the time it’s the capacitor. The 30-second diagnosis test, why caps fail first, and how to tell the rare motor-failure cases apart.
Failed Motor Run Capacitor? Symptoms, Visual Check & TestMotor hums but won’t spin, runs hot or trips out? Symptoms of a failed run capacitor, the visual warning signs, and the multimeter test that confirms it.