BP vs. NP capacitors - newbie

chameleoned · 23rd April 2009, 08:30 PM

Hello,

I'm replacing the electrolytic caps in a series of preamps. Some of the caps are obviously poloraized, Some are labeled "NP" Some are labeled "BP". I'm guessing that NP means "Non Polarized" while the BP means "Bi-Polarized".

Would that make sense? Does non polarized and bi polarized mean the same thing?

thanks,
Ed

Limhes · 25th April 2009, 03:31 PM

Could Bi-polarised mean that two polarised caps are placed in series, making them 'non'-polarised?

mjf · 25th April 2009, 05:49 PM

hello.
german elcaps often use bp = bipolar - in english np = non polarised.
greetings...........

AndrewT · 25th April 2009, 06:13 PM

Hi,
the polar electrolytics will have an indicator for the negative (-ve) terminal.
The non-polar electrolytics will have no need for terminal indicators.

chameleoned · 25th April 2009, 08:04 PM

Thanks Limhes for your reply! I wasn't considering that actually- This marking is on only one capacitor and since I can't find any schematics, it's tough to say how everything is laid out off hand.

When doing some further searching, I saw replacement caps for sale that were labeled as "...Bp Non Polar Radial Capacitors..." so I'm still assuming that BP and Non Polarized are equivilent? I just don't want to buy the wrong ones!

thanks again,
Ed

chameleoned · 25th April 2009, 08:04 PM

Thanks Everyone!

"german elcaps often use bp = bipolar - in english np = non polarised."

Sounds like the answer I was looking for! Now I should be able to order the new ones.

best,
Ed

AndrewT · 26th April 2009, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by chameleoned
"...Bp Non Polar Radial Capacitors..." so I'm still assuming that BP and Non Polarized are equivilent? I just don't want to buy the wrong ones!

is there room to fit a film cap for the BP?
The worst film cap performs better than the best electrolytic when passing an audio signal. The only stipulations are sufficient capacitance and sufficient voltage rating.
MKS, PES, MKT are all fairly cheap and are small compared to the other film types.

chameleoned · 26th April 2009, 05:09 PM

Thanks Andrew, Too bad I already ordered! But maybe I'll still try and upgrade...

analog_sa · 26th April 2009, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AndrewT
The worst film cap performs better than the best electrolytic when passing an audio signal.

Subjectively, this is very arguable. In mine and others experience the very cheap and small BG-N sound better than many films.

23rd April 2009, 08:30 PM	#1
chameleoned diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2009	BP vs. NP capacitors - newbie Hello, I'm replacing the electrolytic caps in a series of preamps. Some of the caps are obviously poloraized, Some are labeled "NP" Some are labeled "BP". I'm guessing that NP means "Non Polarized" while the BP means "Bi-Polarized". Would that make sense? Does non polarized and bi polarized mean the same thing? thanks, Ed

25th April 2009, 06:13 PM	#4
AndrewT diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Scottish Borders	Hi, the polar electrolytics will have an indicator for the negative (-ve) terminal. The non-polar electrolytics will have no need for terminal indicators. __________________ regards Andrew T.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
newbie, needing help with vintage capacitors?	Joshua_j	Parts	8	10th April 2009 06:32 PM
what is the difference between silver mica capacitors and ceramic capacitors ??	prorms	Solid State	1	6th May 2008 12:38 PM
Newbie: Help finding 560nF capacitors for electronic crossover?	americantabloid	Parts	6	26th July 2007 10:38 AM
capacitors: panasonic FC vs elna RJH vs rubycon ZA capacitors	costiss	Parts	11	30th January 2003 09:32 PM
differences between computer grade capacitors and small can capacitors	LBHajdu	Pass Labs	0	22nd February 2002 01:29 AM

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

25th April 2009, 03:31 PM	#2
Limhes diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Nijmegen!	Could Bi-polarised mean that two polarised caps are placed in series, making them 'non'-polarised?

25th April 2009, 05:49 PM	#3
mjf diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: upper austria/near linz	hello. german elcaps often use bp = bipolar - in english np = non polarised. greetings...........

25th April 2009, 08:04 PM	#5
chameleoned diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2009	Thanks Limhes for your reply! I wasn't considering that actually- This marking is on only one capacitor and since I can't find any schematics, it's tough to say how everything is laid out off hand. When doing some further searching, I saw replacement caps for sale that were labeled as "...Bp Non Polar Radial Capacitors..." so I'm still assuming that BP and Non Polarized are equivilent? I just don't want to buy the wrong ones! thanks again, Ed

26th April 2009, 05:09 PM	#8
chameleoned diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2009	Thanks Andrew, Too bad I already ordered! But maybe I'll still try and upgrade...

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)