BP vs. NP capacitors - newbie

[chameleoned]

Hello,

I'm replacing the electrolytic caps in a series of preamps. Some of the caps are obviously poloraized, Some are labeled "NP" Some are labeled "BP". I'm guessing that NP means "Non Polarized" while the BP means "Bi-Polarized".

Would that make sense? Does non polarized and bi polarized mean the same thing?

thanks,
Ed

 

[Limhes]

Could Bi-polarised mean that two polarised caps are placed in series, making them 'non'-polarised?

 

[mjf]

hello.
german elcaps often use bp = bipolar - in english np = non polarised.
greetings...........

 

[AndrewT]

Hi,
the polar electrolytics will have an indicator for the negative (-ve) terminal.
The non-polar electrolytics will have no need for terminal indicators.

 

[chameleoned]

Thanks Limhes for your reply! I wasn't considering that actually- This marking is on only one capacitor and since I can't find any schematics, it's tough to say how everything is laid out off hand.

When doing some further searching, I saw replacement caps for sale that were labeled as "...Bp Non Polar Radial Capacitors..." so I'm still assuming that BP and Non Polarized are equivilent? I just don't want to buy the wrong ones!

thanks again,
Ed

 

[chameleoned]

Thanks Everyone!


"german elcaps often use bp = bipolar - in english np = non polarised."


Sounds like the answer I was looking for! Now I should be able to order the new ones.

best,
Ed

 

[AndrewT]

"...Bp Non Polar Radial Capacitors..." so I'm still assuming that BP and Non Polarized are equivilent? I just don't want to buy the wrong ones!

is there room to fit a film cap for the BP?
The worst film cap performs better than the best electrolytic when passing an audio signal. The only stipulations are sufficient capacitance and sufficient voltage rating.
MKS, PES, MKT are all fairly cheap and are small compared to the other film types.

 

[chameleoned]

Thanks Andrew, Too bad I already ordered! But maybe I'll still try and upgrade...

 

[analog_sa]

The worst film cap performs better than the best electrolytic when passing an audio signal.

Subjectively, this is very arguable. In mine and others experience the very cheap and small BG-N sound better than many films.