[Amps] Help on Aerovox capacitor

[Dennis Berry]

Thanks for all the great replies on the capacitor question.  I suspect with
the cap having the an embossed mark on one end, that is an indicator of
polarity.  But the problem is, there is no paint on it to indicate black or
red, which helped prompt the question for the group.  So I'll be patient and
see if there are more replies on just what the emboss may refer to before I
actually apply voltage to the cap.  BTW, neither post measures any
resistance to case.  I may try and measure the capacitance from each
connector to case to see if that reveals any knew information.

Thanks again for all the replies!

    Dennis


>
> Unless the catalog states that the capacitor is a non-polarized type, it
> will be polarized and need to be connected correctly, positive to
> positive, etc. The case being connected to one plate (cathode) can not
> tell if it is or not. The positive plate (anode) has been etched and has
> a coating formed on its surface in a polarized capacitor. The cathode
> plate does not have this and is merely used as a connection for the
> current flow where the electrolyte actually acts as the cathode. The
> electrolyte contacting the coating on the anode forms the capacitor in a
> polarized electrolytic forming somewhat a circuit like a diode. A
> non-polarized capacitor is not made this way and acts different. If a
> reverse current is placed on the plates, the coating can be destroyed
> quickly and at a pretty low reverse voltage too. The capacitor will heat
> up and eventually blow. I would imagine that if one terminal has a
> circle at it and the other does not, it is polarized. Again, if the
> catalog does not state the capacitor is a non-polarized one, then treat
> it as a polarized type. Hope this helps.
>
> Will Matney