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Broken Kitchen Hood Capacitor? Here’s What to Do

The capacitor is an essential component for the proper functioning of a kitchen hood motor. If the capacitor is damaged or faulty, the motor may not start or operate at a reduced speed, compromising its ability to extract fumes and odors from the kitchen.

Many people assume that the entire motor is broken, when in reality, replacing just the capacitor is often enough to fix the problem.

To avoid inconvenience, it’s important to perform periodic checks and take action as soon as signs of malfunction appear. In this article, we’ll explain how to identify a faulty capacitor and what to do to restore your hood’s performance.

Is the capacitor broken?

What Is the Role of the Capacitor in a Kitchen Hood?

In single-phase motors, the capacitor creates a secondary artificial phase, necessary to start and keep the motor running. It stores and releases electrical energy to provide the necessary starting torque and ensure stable operation.

There are two main types of capacitors:

  • Start capacitors, which provide an initial boost to get the motor running.
  • Run capacitors, which remain active throughout the motor’s operation, improving efficiency and reducing energy consumption and noise.

To fix a capacitor issue, we first need to locate it. Read on to find out where it is.

Example of a capacitor for hoods with a single-phase motor

Where Is the Kitchen Hood Capacitor Located?

The capacitor is usually housed inside the hood casing, near the motor. In most models, it is placed inside a small plastic or metal enclosure, attached to the hood’s structure. It can be accessed by removing either the lower or upper panel.

Its exact location varies depending on the hood design, but it is generally found near the motor’s power supply, connected by two wires to the circuit terminals.

To identify it quickly, refer to your hood’s manual or follow the wiring leading from the motor.

Indicative position of the capacitor in a kitchen hood

Indicative position of the capacitor

How to Tell If the Capacitor Is Faulty

A damaged capacitor can cause various issues. Here are the most common signs that indicate a capacitor malfunction:

  • The motor doesn’t start – If you turn on the hood but the motor doesn’t run, the capacitor may be the issue. In some cases, manually spinning the fan blades may temporarily get the motor running.
  • Reduced speed – Even at the highest setting, the motor runs slower than normal. This suggests that the capacitor isn’t delivering enough energy.
  • Strange noises or buzzing – If the hood hums but doesn’t start, the capacitor may be faulty. However, if the hood vibrates, the problem may lie elsewhere.
  • Visible damage – If you disassemble the hood and examine the capacitor, bulging, cracks, or leaking fluid are clear signs of failure.
  • Burnt smell – Some capacitors contain chemical oils, and if they rupture, they release a strong, burnt plastic or rubber smell.

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, it is likely that the capacitor needs to be replaced.

Is It the Motor or Just the Capacitor? How to Tell the Difference

It’s common to think that the entire hood motor is broken when, in reality, the issue is just the capacitor. Here’s how to tell the difference:

Signs of a Faulty Capacitor

    • The motor won’t start but runs when you manually spin the fan blades.
    • The motor runs at a reduced speed, indicating the capacitor isn’t providing the correct charge.

Signs of a Faulty Motor

  • The motor won’t start even if you manually spin the fan.
  • The motor is completely silent or overheats, producing a burnt smell from the motor itself.

How to Fix a Kitchen Hood Capacitor

If you have determined that the capacitor is faulty, the best solution is to replace it. This is a fairly simple process that you can do yourself with the right precautions. Here’s how:

  1. Turn off the hood and unplug it – Before doing any repairs, ensure the hood is completely disconnected from the power supply to avoid electric shocks.
  2. Remove the access panel – Locate the capacitor (as explained earlier) and unscrew the protective panel using a screwdriver.
  3. Discharge the capacitor – Since capacitors store electricity, they can still deliver a shock even after being unplugged. To safely discharge it, use a 10-20 ohm resistor or carefully short the terminals with an insulated screwdriver.
  4. Disconnect the faulty capacitor – Gently detach the wires from the capacitor terminals. Take a photo beforehand to remember the correct wiring positions.
  5. Replace the capacitor with one of the same value – Install a new capacitor with the same capacitance value (measured in microfarads, µF) and equal or higher voltage than the original. Secure it in place and reconnect the wires following your reference photo.
  6. Reassemble the hood and test it – Close the panel, plug the hood back in, and turn it on to check if the motor functions properly.

If the hood still doesn’t work, there may be a deeper electrical issue or a faulty motor, in which case you should consult a specialized technician.

Filtro Cappa Provides the Replacement Parts You Need – New Capacitors and Motors Available

If your kitchen hood capacitor is broken, don’t worry! With the right replacement, your motor will work like new.

At Filtro Cappa, we offer a wide range of capacitors and motors compatible with various kitchen hood brands and models.

Choosing the right replacement part is crucial for ensuring your hood functions correctly. Need help finding the right capacitor? Contact us for online assistance, and we’ll help you choose the best component for your needs.

If your hood still doesn’t work even after replacing the capacitor, our team can help diagnose the issue and provide expert guidance.

Contact us via WhatsApp or email for assistance.

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