Capacitors Shop our online parts store.
NOTICE: If you are unsure about installing any electrical component in your tanning bed, please call our service department for assistance.
Usually when capacitors go out, there will be a strong burnt smell. You will also notice a section of lamps go out.
If you are replacing the capacitor yourself, please very careful when handling the old capacitor. They store an electrical charge even after you have removed them from the tanning unit.
Capacitors FAQ's
1. How do I know what capacitor I need?
Have the make, model, and year of your tanning unit.
Write down any numbers on the actual capacitor out of your tanning unit. The most important number is the one that ends in "uF" or "mF".
Many original capacitors have been replaced by another type or even aftermarket capacitors. So don't be surprised if the capacitor is a different size, shape, or has different methods of attachment. Please contact the company you purchased the capacitor from if you have this problem.
2. What exactly is a capacitor?
A capacitor is actually an electrical condenser. Its purpose is to store an electrical charge.
They are particularly useful when direct current must be prevented from entering a certain part of an electrical circuit.
Capacitors are almost always found in choke start systems. The capacitor is used in this system to provide "power factor correction". It helps to change or "condition" how the lamp operates.
3. How do I test a capacitor to see if it needs replacing?
After removing power from the tanning unit at the main breaker panel, completely disconnect the capacitor from the tanning unit.
Be careful, a capacitor stores an electrical charge even after it has been disconnected from the tanning unit.
With a screwdriver, pry off the plastic cap at the connection end of the capacitor.
To discharge the capacitor, lay the metal end of the screwdriver across the terminals.
Once the capacitor is discharged, set your voltage meter to Ohms. Put the test leads of your voltage meter on the contacts of the capacitor for a few seconds.
Then set your voltage meter to DC volts. At first, you will get a high reading. If the capacitor is good, it will eventually fall to zero. If it does not fall to zero, the capacitor is bad.
4. How do I install a replacement capacitor?
Depending on your electrical experience, you may want to contact an electrician to replace defective capacitors.
In most cases, the replacement capacitor is attached to the unit in the same manner that the original one was.
Some capacitors have been replaced by alternate capacitors or even aftermarket capacitors. They may be of different size, shape, and attachment methods.If this is the case, either contact an electrician or the company from which the part was purchased for installation instructions.
When replacing the capacitor on your own, please be careful when handling the defective capacitor. Remember, its function is to store electricity. Even after it is removed from the tanning unit, it still stores an electrical charge.
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