reading an electrolytic capacitor can

[muscmp]

hope this is the right area for this question.
how do i read the lugs on a metal capacitor can? the can reads 20,10,5 with a square symbol in front of the 20, a triangle symbol in front of the 10 and, a negative sign in front of the 5. how do i know which lug is which?

thanks,
mikeB.

 

[agdr]

Like this?

Flip the capacitor over and the bakelite near the lugs should have symbols stamped on it that match up, like this:

The lugs with the symbols are the "+" end of each cap and the outside metal can is the common "-" end on all of them.

Here is the site those images are linked from. Scroll down to the "electrolytic" section. It is really a good read, in general.

Replacing Capacitors in Old Radios and TVs

 

[muscmp]

that is great information!
thanks,
mikeB.