"30W" bravely wrote to "All" (28 Dec 04 08:59:16)
--- on the heady topic of "Capacitor replacement question..."

30 From: 30W
30 Xref: aeinews sci.electronics.repair:4973

30 When replacing caps is there any thing special to look for. I know it
30 has to have the same capacitance, voltage, and temp is there something
30 else?

The capacitor type must be suitable for the application. For example
in a radio's output antenna circuit one would try to use a low loss
cap and for audio one would try to avoid ceramic types. Etc...


30 Also what are your opinions on using a higher voltage cap than was
30 originally used? For instance using a 35V when the original was a 25V.
30 The closer the better?

The importance of using the same voltage rating varies with capacitor
type. In general, the higher the voltage rating the larger the cap and
thus fitting the package size may be a problem. Also a larger voltage
rating basically implies a thicker dielectric and more heating of it.
So sometimes using an unnecessarily high voltage rating can actually
be deterimental in some circuits. Try to use the intended cap in the
design and only use a different type if you are sure of consequences.
Keep in mind that capacitance is capacitance no matter what cap type
but practical caps are not ideal devices and some will behave very
oddly when used in other than their intended way.

A*s*i*m*o*v

.... Dunno if we'll get that past the CSA und UL 'owever.