Capacitor on Washer Circuit?

[laplatarosa]

I'm redoing the wiring and plumbing behind my stack-able washer and dryer in my 2013 Providence 42P. Inside a plastic junction box is a 15uf capacitor. This capacitor is on the washer's 15 amp circuit, but after the washer's outlet. The black and the white wires are connected through this capacitor after the washer's outlet.

Any ideas what it is for? Do I really need it? I do not know if the washer's outlet is energized by the inverter (2800 watt true-sine) when not on shore power.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

laplatarosa

[BFlinn181]

I'd think unless you have a basement full of batteries you'd want the washer to only run on shore power of the generator.

Most washers have a starting capacitor inside the cabinet. They store energy and discharge it to give the motor an extra boost of energy to get the motor up to speed. Perhaps the external one in the junction box is to do the same thing. I would either check with an expert or make sure to replace the capacitor if it tests out bad.