Electrolytic screw tab question

serengetiplains · 27th December 2004, 11:31 PM

Hi. I have some electrolytic capacitors with aluminum screw tab posts. I'm wondering if I can use bare silver wire or do I require a tab made of some other metal? I know copper and aluminum do not mix, though I'm not sure why. Help!

serengetiplains · 27th December 2004, 11:43 PM

By the way, the screw is made of stainless steel.

Stocker · 27th December 2004, 11:45 PM

They do not mix because of galvanic corrosion. They turn each other to powder.

As to steel and silver and aluminum, I would say it's probably ok, but don't quote me on that until somebody who knows for sure posts a response. Worst case is you take it apart and clean it every couple years. Perhaps some dielectric grease (or vaseline) will be enough to prevent this corrosion, just like it's good enough for a car's battery terminals. That's what I would do anyhow: grease it and go.

Have you tried Google?

27th December 2004, 11:31 PM	#1
serengetiplains diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Canada	Electrolytic screw tab question Hi. I have some electrolytic capacitors with aluminum screw tab posts. I'm wondering if I can use bare silver wire or do I require a tab made of some other metal? I know copper and aluminum do not mix, though I'm not sure why. Help! __________________ Tom

27th December 2004, 11:43 PM	#2
serengetiplains diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Canada	By the way, the screw is made of stainless steel. __________________ Tom

27th December 2004, 11:45 PM	#3
Stocker diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Austin	They do not mix because of galvanic corrosion. They turn each other to powder. As to steel and silver and aluminum, I would say it's probably ok, but don't quote me on that until somebody who knows for sure posts a response. Worst case is you take it apart and clean it every couple years. Perhaps some dielectric grease (or vaseline) will be enough to prevent this corrosion, just like it's good enough for a car's battery terminals. That's what I would do anyhow: grease it and go. Have you tried Google? __________________ Jesus loves you.

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