Capacitors

lduarte1973 · 4th June 2010, 07:32 PM

can I replace a polarized capacitor for a Bi-Polarized of the same value ?

wakibaki · 4th June 2010, 07:44 PM

Yes, but this is not a good idea in general terms. Bipolar caps are often back-to-back polar electrolytics in the same can, of all the types commonly used in the audio signal path electrolytics are the most problematic in terms of sound quality, and 2 back-to-back is just multiplying the possibility of problems. You can do it for a temporary fix, but get the right part for the long term.

w

lduarte1973 · 4th June 2010, 07:45 PM

thanks !

AndrewT · 5th June 2010, 12:45 PM

why was the bi-polar specified?

They are more expensive and more bulky. There must be a good reason for using the bi-polar.

Simply putting in a polar electrolytic where a bipolar is required is not a safe idea.

wakibaki · 5th June 2010, 03:05 PM

I took the question to mean: can I use a bipolar where the original was a polar.

If the question is: can I use a polar where the original was a bipolar then the answer is no, as AndrewT points out.

Thanks, AndrewT, for clarifying this issue.

Sorry, I should have taken a bit more time over my reply.

w

kevvywevvywoo · 5th June 2010, 06:23 PM

Yes, you can, but most bipolars have a higher esr than the equivalent polarised cap and tend to be bigger physically. If it's used in a power supply it might not last long.
I would really just put the proper one in and save yourself the hassle.

4th June 2010, 07:32 PM	#1
lduarte1973 diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Lisbon	Capacitors can I replace a polarized capacitor for a Bi-Polarized of the same value ?

5th June 2010, 12:45 PM	#4
AndrewT diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Scottish Borders	why was the bi-polar specified? They are more expensive and more bulky. There must be a good reason for using the bi-polar. Simply putting in a polar electrolytic where a bipolar is required is not a safe idea. __________________ regards Andrew T.

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4th June 2010, 07:44 PM	#2
wakibaki Banned Join Date: Jan 2008 Blog Entries: 2	Yes, but this is not a good idea in general terms. Bipolar caps are often back-to-back polar electrolytics in the same can, of all the types commonly used in the audio signal path electrolytics are the most problematic in terms of sound quality, and 2 back-to-back is just multiplying the possibility of problems. You can do it for a temporary fix, but get the right part for the long term. w

4th June 2010, 07:45 PM	#3
lduarte1973 diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Lisbon	thanks !

5th June 2010, 03:05 PM	#5
wakibaki Banned Join Date: Jan 2008 Blog Entries: 2	I took the question to mean: can I use a bipolar where the original was a polar. If the question is: can I use a polar where the original was a bipolar then the answer is no, as AndrewT points out. Thanks, AndrewT, for clarifying this issue. Sorry, I should have taken a bit more time over my reply. w

5th June 2010, 06:23 PM	#6
kevvywevvywoo diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2008	Yes, you can, but most bipolars have a higher esr than the equivalent polarised cap and tend to be bigger physically. If it's used in a power supply it might not last long. I would really just put the proper one in and save yourself the hassle.

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