That low, frustrating drone—the “hum of death.” You know the sound.
Your trusty pool pump, air conditioner, or pressure washer motor is humming, but the blades aren’t spinning. It’s a moment that makes your wallet ache, picturing a massive repair bill or a costly full replacement.
But what if I told you the fix is likely a part smaller than a can of soda and cheaper than a pizza?
Meet the cbb60 capacitor, the unsung hero of single-phase motors and, today, the key to your DIY salvation. This guide is your complete repair manual, designed to give you the confidence to diagnose the problem, buy the right part for a few dollars, and safely install it.
A capacitor is a common replacement part. To learn more about other workshop consumables, read our Essential Guide to Industrial Supplies & Replacement Parts.
1 Top CBB60 Capacitors At a Glance
| Common Use | Typical µF Rating | Typical VAC Rating | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pool Pumps | 30-50 µF | 450 VAC | Handles higher power demands |
| Air Conditioners/Fans | 5-15 µF | 450 VAC | Essential for consistent cooling |
| Pressure Washers | 20-40 µF | 250-450 VAC | Provides torque for tough jobs |
2 What is a CBB60 Capacitor & What Does It Do?
Think of a CBB60 motor run capacitor as a tiny battery that gives your motor a constant, gentle push to keep it running smoothly.
It’s used in countless single-phase motors, the kind you find in everything from your air conditioner to your workshop pump. Inside its simple plastic case is a self-healing metallized polypropylene film, which stores and releases electrical energy.
This process creates a second phase of power for the motor, allowing it to run efficiently and powerfully.
Without that capacitor, the motor doesn’t have the electrical boost it needs to overcome inertia, so it just sits there and hums—a cry for help that you are now equipped to answer.
3 The Difference Between a Run Capacitor and a Start Capacitor
It’s crucial to know that not all capacitors are the same.
The CBB60 is a run capacitor, designed for continuous operation; it works the entire time the motor is on. This is different from a start capacitor (like a CD60), which gives a powerful jolt just to get the motor started and then switches off.
You cannot swap one for the other.
Using a start capacitor in place of a run capacitor would cause it to fail quickly, and using a run capacitor to start a motor that needs a bigger kick won’t work. The CBB60 is built for the marathon, not the sprint.
4 Symptoms of a Bad CBB60 Capacitor: The Telltale Signs
So, how do you know for sure that the capacitor is the culprit?
Your appliance will give you some pretty clear clues. A little diagnostic work now can save you a lot of money later.
When I get a call about a faulty motor, I always listen for that telltale sound. But there are other signs to look for that confirm your diagnosis before you even pick up a tool.
5 The “Humming Motor” and Other Common Failure Indicators
The most common sign of a dead capacitor is the humming motor fix you’re probably searching for right now.
The motor is getting power, but it can’t start turning. Other signs include the motor struggling to start, running for a bit and then shutting off, or the motor housing feeling unusually hot.
Sometimes, you can spot a failed capacitor just by looking at it.
If the plastic case is bulging at the top or leaking an oily substance, you’ve found your problem. However, many failed capacitors look perfectly fine, which is why the humming sound is your best initial clue.
6 How to Read Your Old Capacitor: A Simple Buyer’s Guide
You’ve diagnosed the problem—now you need to buy the right replacement part.
This is the most critical step. Buying the wrong capacitor can be ineffective at best and damaging to your motor at worst.
Luckily, all the information you need is printed right on the side of the old capacitor.
When I first picked up a CBB60 capacitor, the string of numbers looked like a foreign language. But in my field tests and countless replacements, I’ve learned that you only need to focus on two key numbers and a couple of physical details to find the perfect match.
7 Finding the Microfarad (µF) Rating: The Most Critical Spec
The most important number is the capacitance rating, measured in microfarads (µF or MFD).
This tells you how much energy the capacitor can store. You MUST match this number exactly.
If you use a capacitor with a higher µF rating, you can throw off the motor’s timing and cause it to overheat, leading to permanent damage.
A lower µF rating won’t provide enough energy for the motor to run at its proper speed. Look for the number followed by “µF” on your old capacitor—that’s your target.
8 Understanding the Voltage (VAC) Rating: Why You Can Go Higher, But Not Lower
The next number you’ll see is the voltage rating (VAC), which is typically 250VAC, 370VAC, or 450 VAC.
This number represents the maximum voltage the capacitor can safely handle, not what it outputs.
Here’s the good news: you can safely replace your old capacitor with one that has an equal or higher voltage rating.
For example, if your old capacitor is 370VAC, using a 450VAC replacement is perfectly fine and might even last longer. However, you must never use a capacitor with a lower voltage rating, as it will fail under pressure.
9 Matching the Shape and Terminal Type
Finally, take a look at the physical characteristics.
Most CBB60 capacitors are cylindrical. Ensure your replacement will fit in the same space.
Also, check the terminals. Some have two wires coming out of the top, while others have two, three, or four spade terminals (lugs).
Make sure your new capacitor has the same terminal configuration to make the capacitor wiring a simple plug-and-play job.
10 A Step-by-Step Guide to Safely Replacing Your CBB60 Capacitor
Alright, you’ve done the detective work and have the right part in hand.
Now for the satisfying part: bringing your equipment back to life. This is a simple job, but electricity demands respect. Following these steps will make the replacement safe and successful.
You may need a specific driver or socket to access the capacitor housing. If you need to expand your toolset, see our guide on replacing hammer parts and other basic tool maintenance.
11
⚠️ WARNING: DANGER OF ELECTRIC SHOCK ⚠️
A capacitor can hold a dangerous, and even lethal, electrical charge long after the power is turned off. NEVER touch the metal terminals before you have safely discharged it. Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
: Disconnect All Power – Unplug the appliance or turn off the circuit breaker that powers it.
Step 2: Use an Insulated Screwdriver – Get a screwdriver with a thick plastic or rubber handle. Do NOT use one with a metal handle or a worn-out grip.
: Bridge the Terminals – While holding the insulated handle, touch the metal tip of the screwdriver across both metal terminals at the same time. You may see a small spark and hear a “pop.” Hold it there for a few seconds to ensure the capacitor is fully discharged. If your capacitor has more than two terminals, discharge each pair.
: This safety step is absolutely critical. Never skip it, even if you think the power has been off for a long time. Capacitors can hold their charge for hours or even days.
12 Removing the Old Capacitor and Installing the New One
With the capacitor safely discharged, the rest is easy.
1. Take a Photo: Before you disconnect anything, take a quick picture of the wiring with your phone. This is a foolproof way to remember which wire goes where.
2. Disconnect the Wires: Gently pull the connectors off the capacitor terminals. If they are tight, a pair of needle-nose pliers can help.
3. Remove the Old Capacitor: A metal or plastic strap usually holds the capacitor in place. Unscrew it and slide the old capacitor out.
4. Install the New One: Slide the new capacitor into place and secure it with the mounting strap. Using your photo as a guide, connect the wires to the new capacitor’s terminals. Since run capacitors are not polarized, you typically don’t have to worry about which wire goes on which terminal (if there are only two).
5. Power Up and Test: Replace any covers, restore power, and turn on your appliance. That dreadful hum should be replaced by the sweet sound of a fully functioning motor.
13 Top Replacement CBB60 Capacitors (By Common Ratings)
To make your shopping even easier, here are common CBB60 capacitor ratings for popular appliances.
14 1. For Pool Pumps (30-50 µF Range)
A pool pump capacitor replacement is one of the most common DIY repairs.
These motors work hard and often require a robust capacitor, typically in the 30-50 µF range at 450V.
Common ratings for pool pumps:
30uF/450V CBB60 Capacitor
40uF/450V CBB60 Capacitor
50uF/450V CBB60 Capacitor
15 2. For Air Conditioners & Fans (5-15 µF Range)
The fan motor in your AC condenser unit relies on a smaller CBB60 capacitor to keep it spinning.
These are usually in the 5 to 15 µF range.
Popular AC and fan ratings:
5uF/450V CBB60 Capacitor
7.5uF/450V CBB60 Capacitor
10uF/450V CBB60 Capacitor
16 3. For Pressure Washers & Small Motors
Pressure washers, air compressors, and other workshop tools often use CBB60 capacitors with a wide range of values, so be sure to check your specific model.
Common workshop motor ratings:
25uF/450V CBB60 Capacitor
35uF/450V CBB60 Capacitor
FAQ: Your CBB60 Capacitor Questions
What is a CBB60 capacitor used for?
A CBB60 capacitor is a motor run capacitor used to help single-phase AC motors start and run efficiently and smoothly. They are commonly found in appliances like water pumps, air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, and fans.
Can I use a capacitor with a higher uF rating?
No. You should always use a replacement capacitor with the exact same microfarad (µF) rating as the original. A higher µF rating can cause the motor to run improperly, overheat, and eventually fail.
Can I use a capacitor with a higher voltage rating?
Yes, this is perfectly safe. You can replace a capacitor with one that has an equal or higher voltage (VAC) rating. For example, replacing a 370VAC capacitor with a 450VAC version is a common and acceptable practice. Never use one with a lower voltage rating.
How do you safely discharge a motor capacitor before handling it?
First, disconnect the appliance from power. Then, use a screwdriver with a well-insulated handle to touch the metal shank across both terminals simultaneously. You may see a small spark, which is normal. Hold it in place for several seconds to ensure it’s fully discharged before you touch the terminals with your hands.
