Making a bipolar cap

[weinstro]

Hi,

I need to make a bipolar electrolytic capacitor by series connecting two normal, polarized electrolytic capacitors. Does it make any difference if the caps are connected "-" to "-" or "+" to "+"?

Thanks-

[jcx]

if you're using it for audio coupling then buying a real bi/non-polar is much the better option from measured distortion

[weinstro]

Originally posted by jcx
if you're using it for audio coupling then buying a real bi/non-polar is much the better option from measured distortion

I tried, but it's not feasible for this app, a dc blocker for a torroid transformer.

[mjf]

hello.
i think usually the - poles are connected together.have a look at the schematics symbol, the +pole is outside........
i would use high voltage ratings as possible for safety.
greetings...........

[cliffforrest]

Draw the circuit with the two caps in series, an AC source and a load.

You will then see that the caps can be connected either way round - it cannot make a differnce.

[Mooly]

Plus to Plus or neg to neg, but can be worthwhile (if feasable) adding two very high value resistors say 100K to 1meg range of equal value across each to make sure 50/50 volt drop.

[weinstro]

Originally posted by Mooly
Plus to Plus or neg to neg, but can be worthwhile (if feasable) adding two very high value resistors say 100K to 1meg range of equal value across each to make sure 50/50 volt drop.

Thanks - A diode string (bridge rectifier, 35 amp) will be in parallel to limit voltage drop to aprox 1.4 volts.

This is an adaptation of a DC blocking circuit used by Bryston. There are several threads on this topic, which I cannot easily provide the link to from the device I'm using to reply to this thread.

I'm only trying to establish if there is any performance or other based reasoning to connect the caps by their "-" or "+" leads.

[weinstro]

Originally posted by mjf
hello.
i think usually the - poles are connected together.have a look at the schematics symbol, the +pole is outside........
i would use high voltage ratings as possible for safety.
greetings...........

Originally posted by cliffforrest
Draw the circuit with the two caps in series, an AC source and a load.

You will then see that the caps can be connected either way round - it cannot make a differnce.

Guys, thanks for getting right to the heart of the question - it does / does not matter.

I think I'll connect them "-" to "-". Thanks!