does a choke have polarity?

Original Burnedfingers · 11th July 2003, 10:32 PM

I have just received my first chokes ever. I have seen schematics that show polarity of chokes, but the Hammonds I just got don't show any polarity.

Joe

JOE DIRT® · 11th July 2003, 10:38 PM

typically a choke will not have any polarity

fdegrove · 11th July 2003, 11:35 PM

Hi,

Quote:

but the Hammonds I just got don't show any polarity.

That's just because there isn't any, typically or atypically Joe D.

It may be directive though...not that I'd worry much about that.

EC8010 · 12th July 2003, 12:22 AM

Actually, I have a couple of chokes that are marked to delineate the rectifier end. I assume that this is because the insulation to chassis is better at this end than the other (this would be significant in a choke input supply).

Otherwise, there isn't any "polarity" in chokes.

Duo · 12th July 2003, 12:50 AM

A choke might have a polarity so that the magnetic flux lines are in a certain direction relative to the chassis or some wires nearby.

Also, the core might possibly be designed to react a certain way to the movement of flux in one direction or the other.

Generally, I'd imagine that if the choke itself has no polarization marks, it isn't intended to have polarization and thus should be used how the builder likes.

Sch3mat1c · 12th July 2003, 01:28 AM

I'd imagine 1) capacitance from end of winding closest to core to the core itself, which is usually chassis-grounded; 2) insulation as EC8010 says; 3) flux orientation is a possibility, though generally a stray field from anything is considered detrimental, but whatever.
Polarity only really applies in transformers or tapped chokes which act as such (autotransformers).

Tim

Original Burnedfingers · 12th July 2003, 02:13 AM

Thanks for the response. I couldn't quite remember so I thought I would ask those in the know.

Joe

SHiFTY · 12th July 2003, 06:48 AM

How about SE output transformers? Does the same apply?

EC8010 · 12th July 2003, 08:51 AM

I suppose so, but the more important thing there would be getting the polarity of the audio signal correct and avoiding having one stereo channel out of phase with the other.

Gary P · 12th July 2003, 01:40 PM

Chokes that are intended for audio signal usage do have a right way and wrong way to connect them. When used as a plate choke you want the "start" (closest to the core) end of the winding to be at the lowest AC potential, usually an AC ground. The "stop" end of the winding should be connected to the plate of the tube.

The same thing applies to SE transformers.

Gary

11th July 2003, 10:32 PM	#1
Original Burnedfingers diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2002	does a choke have polarity? I have just received my first chokes ever. I have seen schematics that show polarity of chokes, but the Hammonds I just got don't show any polarity. Joe

12th July 2003, 12:22 AM	#4
EC8010 diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Near London. UK	Exceptions... Actually, I have a couple of chokes that are marked to delineate the rectifier end. I assume that this is because the insulation to chassis is better at this end than the other (this would be significant in a choke input supply). Otherwise, there isn't any "polarity" in chokes. __________________ The loudspeaker: The only commercial Hi-Fi item where a disproportionate part of the budget isn't spent on the box. And the one where it would make a difference...

12th July 2003, 12:50 AM	#5
Duo diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Victoria, BC, Canada	A choke might have a polarity so that the magnetic flux lines are in a certain direction relative to the chassis or some wires nearby. Also, the core might possibly be designed to react a certain way to the movement of flux in one direction or the other. Generally, I'd imagine that if the choke itself has no polarization marks, it isn't intended to have polarization and thus should be used how the builder likes. __________________ -- Duo, W1ngs, VA7MON, and lesser known handles. -- -- http://www.w1ngselectronics.com -- My Work and Projects --

12th July 2003, 01:28 AM	#6
Sch3mat1c diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Milwaukee, WI	I'd imagine 1) capacitance from end of winding closest to core to the core itself, which is usually chassis-grounded; 2) insulation as EC8010 says; 3) flux orientation is a possibility, though generally a stray field from anything is considered detrimental, but whatever. Polarity only really applies in transformers or tapped chokes which act as such (autotransformers). Tim __________________ See my Electronics webpage -- the home of Vacuum Tube Drag Racing. The key to being a successful Audiophile: "I reject your reality and substitute my own!"

12th July 2003, 08:51 AM	#9
EC8010 diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Near London. UK	I suppose so, but the more important thing there would be getting the polarity of the audio signal correct and avoiding having one stereo channel out of phase with the other. __________________ The loudspeaker: The only commercial Hi-Fi item where a disproportionate part of the budget isn't spent on the box. And the one where it would make a difference...

11th July 2003, 10:38 PM	#2
JOE DIRT® diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Brantford, ON	typically a choke will not have any polarity

12th July 2003, 02:13 AM	#7
Original Burnedfingers diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2002	Thanks for the response. I couldn't quite remember so I thought I would ask those in the know. Joe

12th July 2003, 06:48 AM	#8
SHiFTY diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: New Zealand	How about SE output transformers? Does the same apply?

12th July 2003, 01:40 PM	#10
Gary P diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Portland OR	Chokes that are intended for audio signal usage do have a right way and wrong way to connect them. When used as a plate choke you want the "start" (closest to the core) end of the winding to be at the lowest AC potential, usually an AC ground. The "stop" end of the winding should be connected to the plate of the tube. The same thing applies to SE transformers. Gary

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