Just found a HUGE stash of PIO caps - are they any good?

[djn]

Hi All. I went to a surplus store yesterday and way in back they have rows upon rows of PIO caps (a couple as big as a trash cans). Do PIOs go bad? If so, how would I know? Cheers.

 

[djn]

And talk about heat sinks.....Gees.

 

[mike567]

Steer clear of anything manufactured before 1978....May contain PCB's

 

[djn]

I didn't know that Mike. thanks for the heads up.

 

[JonSnell Electronic]

PCB based insulating oils are safe unless the capacitor is dismantled and if so then becomes hazardous.
They are perfectly safe in motor start/run metal cases.

 

[Francois G]

Amen!

 

[RajkoM]

....may contain PCB's

Something like teflon:

PFOA: Teflon chemical contaminating drinking water may be banned — Quartz

There are more such "industry" stories.

 

[djn]

I use old PIO caps in my GM70 SET amp and I always assumed, like you said, they are fine unless leaking.

 

[JonSnell Electronic]

Just like asbestos/concrete blocks, if the contaminant is contained, sealed box for capacitor and paint for asbestos, there is no hazard.

 

[6A3sUMMER]

I have lots of that type of capacitors.
But all of mine have the following printed on them: NO PCB'S

I have seen earlier caps like that, but I did not purchase them because they did not have that statement on the cap.

Just my preference.

 

[wrenchone]

To bad that surplus place is so far from me - I'd like to get my hands on some of those heat sinks.

 

[Lingwendil]

Right?! I was so bummed out when HSC closed, not much else worth checking out here in the bay.

 

[ratbagp]

The heatsinks would really interest the builders at the Pass forum.

https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/pass-labs/

ray

 

[6A3sUMMER]

Prices, prices.

Check out a good heat sink.

Then check out a good Western Electric 212E Triode.

 

[egellings]

If I'm not mistaken, I think that modern PIO caps must state on the can that no PCB's are used in the capacitor.

 

[6A3sUMMER]

I believe the Law is 2 parts:

No PCBs are allowed in caps manufactured today.

"No PCBs" must be stamped on the part.

Are there any law breakers?
Only the manufacturer knows.

 

[Conrad Hoffman]

The paper in PIO caps can break down over time. Most old PIO caps I've tested are defective to some degree and I'd never buy NOS PIO caps.

 

[6A3sUMMER]

Are current production still using paper, or are they using some form of plastic insulation?

 

[djn]

I'm going back Saturday and I'll look at the caps in greater detail.

 

[Duke58]

Is that Jones Surplus on Central Ave.? I used to dig through the tubes and other "surplus." They had an EG&G factory nearby, EG&G was making the Krytron tubes.