Electric pressure washer problem

[Mouser]

Capacitor has exploded /melted. Is this likely to be caused by some other problem or just a case of replace and all will be fine?

 

[Netherfield]

Ususally the latter, just get another and you'll be fine, anyway they are not that expensive to find out the answer. Have you a local Motor rewind firm, normally will have one on the shelf.

 

[fermerboy]

Looks to be a fairly standard motor run capacitor.
You want a 450v 50 microfarad motor run capacitor.
They sometimes go for no reason other than old age.

Something like this,
https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/UK-Ship-Po...680155&hash=item3d481b74de:g:q~sAAOSwt05Zt-9s

 

[Mouser]

Looks to be a fairly standard motor run capacitor.
You want a 450v 50 microfarad motor run capacitor.
They sometimes go for no reason other than old age.

Something like this,
https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/UK-Ship-Po...680155&hash=item3d481b74de:g:q~sAAOSwt05Zt-9s

Thanks, when you say something like this, do you mean buy this actual one?

 

[Netherfield]

Thanks, when you say something like this, do you mean buy this actual one?

That actual one will do the job.

 

[Mouser]

Thanks for the help folks

 

[fermerboy]

Thanks, when you say something like this, do you mean buy this actual one?

That was the first one that I found on EBay!!, but it looks about right. Check the dimensions perhaps.
Some have wire tails coming out of them, others have terminals.
Just search "motor run capacitor 50uf " loads to choose from.
You are lucky that the label is intact to get the spec.

 

[Fergieman]

Had one go on our electric steam cleaner and just replaced with the same again and has been fine since. They go for no apparent reason and are an easy fix.

 

[Mursal]

You can get a shock from them, even with the plug out so handle with respect.
Cheap to manufacture and they just pop .............

 

[Dry Rot]

Isn't having a long extension lead meant to make this fault more likely?

 

[Mursal]

Bit of a head scratcher there, @Dry Rot , I'll have to get back to you, on that one.

 

[Netherfield]

Isn't having a long extension lead meant to make this fault more likely?

Never heard that before, more likely the fact these things are so cheap, they have a life expectancy, a bit like light bulbs. Probably cheaper now then 30 years ago, used to be in an alloy can not plastic.

High voltage surges can be a killer, with a long lead you're more likely to get low voltage instead.

 

[Happy]

Isn't having a long extension lead meant to make this fault more likely?

Yes.
Better to run an extension hose rather extension cable if needing to work far from the electric socket.

 

[Dry Rot]

Bit of a head scratcher there, @Dry Rot , I'll have to get back to you, on that one.

Have a look at para 2 on the Kranzle page below. Seems to suggest that a blown capacitor might be caused by a bad extension cable, or have I got it wrong? I THINK this may have been mentioned when the cap on my Kranzle burst and I phoned their service department, but it was a while ago.

https://www.kranzle-pressure-washers.co.uk/products/genuine-kranzle-40uf-motor-run-capacitor-43035

 

[Mursal]

Thanks, I cant open links tonight, I'll have a wee look tomorrow.

 

[dowcow]

Isn't having a long extension lead meant to make this fault more likely?

Yes. It is stated in user manuals and we have also had a service centre tell us that has caused problems with our previous power washer. They use a lot of power, the full rating available from a 13amp plug and the voltage drop over a long normal duty extension puts more strain on them. Mains wiring is solid core and quite thick, while extension leads use stranded cables which are intended to withstand constant flexing but aren't great for sustained high current draw, unless you use a heavy duty cable. If the cable starts to warm up, it will cause even more voltage drop too.

 

[HDAV]

Voltage drop on long runs can be an issue especially if using domestic type extension leads much better if you have to use 2.5mm min arctic cable extension and make sure fully unwound! 20m lead can be 7v drop easily at 13A draw

 

[dowcow]

It gets worse for longer jobs too. If your cable is sapping some of the power, that power is generating heat in the cable. That means more resistance in the cable, and that means it will sap even more power, which generates even more heat...

 

[Dave6170]

I have a small nilfisk pressure washer, only a few months old. The pump wont start when i squeeze the trigger on the lance. Water just trickles out then suddenly it might start the pump and work. Seems very intermitent. What could be wrong?

 

[feilding]

I have a small nilfisk pressure washer, only a few months old. The pump wont start when i squeeze the trigger on the lance. Water just trickles out then suddenly it might start the pump and work. Seems very intermitent. What could be wrong?

Pressure switch sticking