What are capacitors used for with single-phase induction motors
Capacitors are used in single-phase induction motors to provide starting torque and improve the efficiency of the motor. In these types of motors, the capacitor is connected in series with the starting winding, which creates a phase difference between the main and auxiliary windings, allowing the motor to start rotating.
After the motor reaches a certain speed, a centrifugal switch disconnects the starting winding and the capacitor from the circuit, and the motor continues to run on the main winding alone. The use of capacitors allows for a smaller, more efficient motor design because it reduces the current drawn by the starting winding, improving the motor's power factor and reducing energy losses.