I have a customer with a 10 hp 240v single phase Baldor motor that operates a the hydraulic pump on an industrial trash compactor. The compactor is operated manually, often every 5 to 10 minutes.

About once a year the start winding centrifugal switch contacts (inside the motor) burn up - nasty job to replace them, and severe inconvenience to the customer.

Any thoughts on arc suppression for these contacts? Capacitors? What value?

Thanks for hints and ideas...

Grov