PRICE DROP Capacitor — Prices reduced 21 August 2026 — 900+ products, most now 15% lower

Capacitor

HankeMotor stocks 19 motor capacitors, 8µF to 450µF: CBB60 running capacitors and aluminium electrolytic starting capacitors, all AU$44.80. For single-phase motors, air compressors, pumps and fans. Glen Waverley VIC — 0401 634 280.

Quick Way to Identify Your Capacitor Without Opening Anything

Check the label on your old capacitor before ordering: it prints the µF value and voltage rating directly. Oval or round with two spade terminals — it's a CBB60 running capacitor. Cylindrical with a larger diameter and (often) a built-in bleed resistor — it's an electrolytic starting capacitor. If the label is unreadable, count the wires at the motor terminal block instead: one capacitor with three motor leads (common/run/start) is a CSIR motor and needs a starting capacitor only; two capacitors with four leads is a CSCR motor and needs both types matched correctly.

Read more
Filter1 - 12 of 19 results
Sort by Best selling

HankeMotor stocks 19 motor capacitors for single-phase electric motors, covering everything from 8µF to 450µF. There are two types: CBB60 polypropylene film running capacitors (450V AC, 50/60Hz), which stay permanently connected to keep the motor running, and aluminium electrolytic starting capacitors (250VAC), which provide a short torque boost for the first 3–5 seconds before disconnecting via a centrifugal switch. Running capacitors typically range 8–70µF; starting capacitors range 50–450µF, sized at roughly 2–3 times the running capacitance for the same motor. All capacitors are rated 450V AC or higher — well above the ~340V peak voltage seen on a 240V RMS Australian supply — so a 450V unit is always safe to use even where the original was rated lower. Every capacitor in the range is a flat AU$44.80 regardless of µF value, dispatched from our Glen Waverley warehouse with 1-year warranty. Common applications: air compressors, water pumps, blowers and fans.

✓ 19 models in stock — running & starting types
✓ Flat AU$44.80 per unit, regardless of µF rating
✓ Melbourne warehouse, dispatched within 24 hours
✓ 1-year warranty

What Can a Capacitor Be Used For?

There are two types: starting capacitors and running capacitors. For equipment that runs on a single-phase motor — air compressors, water pumps, blowers and fans — the starting capacitor provides the initial torque boost to get the motor moving, and the running capacitor maintains efficient operation once it's up to speed. Both are replaceable parts: swapping a failed capacitor is an easy, cost-effective way to restore motor performance and extend the equipment's service life.

Running vs Starting — Which Type Does Your Motor Use?

Most 240V single-phase induction motors use one of three configurations: run-only (permanent split capacitor), start-only (capacitor-start), or both (capacitor-start capacitor-run). Knowing your configuration determines which replacement part you need.

Running (CBB60)
✓ Maintains phase shift during continuous operation; improves power factor and torque stability
✓ Duty: continuous (100% duty cycle)
✓ Typical range: 2µF–100µF, 450V AC
✓ Cylindrical polypropylene film, round body, wire leads or spade terminals
In stock: 8, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 55, 60, 70µF
Starting (Electrolytic)
✓ Provides high starting torque boost; disconnects via centrifugal switch once running speed is reached
✓ Duty: intermittent only (3–5 seconds per start)
✓ Typical range: 50µF–1200µF, 125–330VAC
✓ Cylindrical aluminium can, larger diameter than running cap
In stock: 50, 75, 100, 150, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450µF
Critical distinction: A starting capacitor wired as a running capacitor will overheat and fail within minutes — it's electrolytic and rated for intermittent duty only. If your motor has one capacitor permanently wired in (not switched out by a centrifugal switch), it's a running capacitor.

CBB60 Running Capacitor Sizing by Motor Power

General sizing rule for 240V single-phase motors: approximately 2–3µF of running capacitance per 100W of motor output. Always cross-reference the motor nameplate if available.

Motor Power Typical Running Cap CBB60 Model in Stock Price
250W / 0.33HP 5–8µF CBB60 450V 8µF $44.80
370W / 0.5HP 8–10µF CBB60 450V 8µF $44.80
550W / 0.75HP 10–15µF CBB60 450V 15µF $44.80
750W / 1HP 16–20µF CBB60 450V 20µF $44.80
1100W / 1.5HP 22–25µF CBB60 450V 25µF $44.80
1500W / 2HP 30–35µF CBB60 450V 30µF $44.80
2200W / 3HP 40–50µF CBB60 450V 40µF or 50µF $44.80
3000W / 4HP 50–70µF CBB60 450V 55µF, 60µF or 70µF $44.80

If the nameplate lists a µF range (e.g. "40–50µF"), choose the middle value unless the motor runs hot or has torque issues, in which case move toward the upper end. Voltage rating must be equal to or greater than the original — a 450V capacitor is safe in any 240V application, since the voltage rating is the maximum safe working voltage, not the operating voltage.

Starting Capacitor Range — High-Torque Boost for Compressors and Pumps

250VAC aluminium electrolytic, rated for the 3–5 second start cycle only. Sizing rule: starting capacitance is typically 2–3× the running capacitance for the same motor — a motor with a 20µF run cap typically needs a 50–60µF start cap; a 40µF run cap typically needs a 100–120µF start cap.

550W–1100W motors (0.75–1.5HP)
Typical: 50–150µF
AU$44.80
2200W–3000W motors (3–4HP)
Typical: 250–350µF
AU$44.80

Full range in stock: 50, 75, 100, 150, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450µF — all AU$44.80.

Air compressor replacement note: piston air compressors with single-phase motors frequently fail their starting capacitor when the compressor tries to restart against residual tank pressure. If your compressor motor hums for 2–3 seconds then trips its thermal overload, the starting capacitor is the most likely fault before the motor windings — replace it first before condemning the motor.

How to Read Your Existing Capacitor

µF or MFD: microfarad rating — the primary replacement spec. Match exactly for running capacitors.
VAC or V~: AC voltage rating. Must be equal to or higher than the original — never substitute lower.
Hz: frequency. Australian mains is 50Hz — CBB60 capacitors rated 50/60Hz are correct for Australian use.
CBB60 or CBB61: CBB60 is the cylindrical motor run capacitor. CBB61 is the oval fan capacitor — not an equivalent substitute.
Class P2 or P0: IEC climatic category. P2 tolerates -25°C to +70°C; P0 tolerates -40°C to +85°C. Either suits Australian workshop conditions.
If the body is bulging, leaking, or the top vent disc has ruptured, the capacitor has failed — replace with exact µF and at least equivalent voltage.

Diagnosing a Capacitor Fault

Motor hums but doesn't start, then trips thermal protection: starting capacitor fault (or centrifugal switch fault) — the motor can't generate enough starting torque.
Motor starts but runs hot, draws higher current, reduced torque: running capacitor fault — the motor is running on its main winding only.
Runs normally but capacitor is visibly bulged or leaking: replace before it causes a hard failure — a failed cap left in circuit stresses the windings.
Runs but compressor doesn't build pressure to rated PSI: that's a valve fault, not a capacitor fault — replacing the capacitor won't fix a valve leak.

When a Capacitor Replacement Is Not the Solution

Three-phase 415V motors: these don't use external capacitors — the capacitor range isn't relevant to a three-phase fault.
Motors driven by a VFD: the VFD provides phase splitting and soft-start electronically — don't fit a capacitor to a motor already on a VFD output.
Burnt winding smell with visible discolouration: capacitor replacement won't restore the motor — it needs rewinding or replacement.
New installation with no capacitor: check the motor nameplate for the required spec before ordering — a PSC motor designed for a specific µF value won't perform correctly with the wrong size.

Related Products

Running Capacitor (ICAR brand): Italian-made CBB60 polypropylene film capacitors, 5µF to 80µF, 450V, from AU$33.60
Starting Capacitor: aluminium electrolytic motor start capacitors, 250VAC range
Single Phase Motor 240V: GMYL series single-phase induction motors, 0.12kW to 2.2kW
Piston Compressor: single-phase and three-phase reciprocating air compressors

Motor Capacitor FAQ

Can I fit a higher µF value to get more starting torque?
No. Fitting a capacitor above the nameplate rating increases current in the auxiliary winding beyond its thermal rating, accelerating insulation degradation and shortening motor life. The nameplate µF is the correct value, not a minimum. Less torque than before means the motor needs a winding inspection, not a larger capacitor.
My compressor has two capacitors — how do I know which one has failed?
Piston compressor motors (CSCR type) have both a starting and a running capacitor. The starting capacitor is typically larger (100µF or more, cylindrical electrolytic with two terminals) and connects via the centrifugal switch. The running capacitor is smaller (8–50µF, oval or round CBB60 film type with spade terminals). Test each separately with a capacitance meter — replacing the wrong one is the most common mistake on compressor faults.
How do I tell if my motor is CSIR or CSCR?
Check the terminal block inside the motor junction box. A CSIR motor has one capacitor (starting only) and three terminals: common, run, and start. A CSCR motor has two capacitors and four connections. If only one capacitor is fitted and the motor starts slowly under load, it's CSIR design — the starting capacitor is the correct replacement path.
Is a 400V AC rated capacitor safe on Australian 240V supply?
Not recommended. The 450V AC rating provides necessary margin above peak voltage (approximately 340V peak on a 240V RMS supply) plus voltage tolerance. A 400V AC film capacitor operates closer to its dielectric stress limit under normal Australian supply conditions, reducing service life. Always specify 450V AC or higher for 240V 50Hz applications.
Do stored capacitors have a shelf life?
CBB60 film capacitors stored dry below 35°C retain specification for 10+ years. Aluminium electrolytic starting capacitors have a shorter shelf life — typically 3–5 years before the electrolyte begins to dry, reducing capacitance even in unused stock. Test any starting capacitor that's been shelved for several years with a meter before fitting.
Not sure which capacitor you need? Call 0401 634 280 or email hankemotors@gmail.com
Send us the µF and voltage printed on your old capacitor and we'll confirm the right replacement.