What's the general consensus on using mains filter capacitors (class X and class Y) between live and neutral, live and safety ground, and neutral and safety ground? I remember reading somewhere that this can cause more noise problems than it helps.
Aka "death cap" .
Remove, avoid never use.
If mains noise is a problem then use a proper mains filter unit before the amp or even better before the equipment rack.
Remove, avoid never use.
If mains noise is a problem then use a proper mains filter unit before the amp or even better before the equipment rack.
Mains filter capacitors are useful to keep interference from switch mode power supplies getting back into the mains.
Class X2 between Live and Neutral with Class Y between Live and Earth along with Neutral and Earth.
They can also reduce mains borne interference by shunting RF noise to ground through the Class Y capacitors.
The Death Cap is a totally different, unsafe method of "Grounding" the chassis of the equipment to either Live or Neutral, in an attempt to remove mains borne RF noise. Very dangerous as if the capacitor fails, you could have a Live chassis!
Class Y fail open circuit by design.
Class X2 are self healing but will fail when totally damaged either open circuit or short circuit but as it is fitted across the Live to Neutral, will only blow your mains fuse.
Class X2 between Live and Neutral with Class Y between Live and Earth along with Neutral and Earth.
They can also reduce mains borne interference by shunting RF noise to ground through the Class Y capacitors.
The Death Cap is a totally different, unsafe method of "Grounding" the chassis of the equipment to either Live or Neutral, in an attempt to remove mains borne RF noise. Very dangerous as if the capacitor fails, you could have a Live chassis!
Class Y fail open circuit by design.
Class X2 are self healing but will fail when totally damaged either open circuit or short circuit but as it is fitted across the Live to Neutral, will only blow your mains fuse.
Thanks for the reply. Yeah, obviously I'll be using three prong AC connectors with the chassis connected to the safety earth ground no matter what.
@JonSnell Electronic - should I gather from your response that (if done properly with the correct parts), using class X2 and Y parts can't hurt?
@JonSnell Electronic - should I gather from your response that (if done properly with the correct parts), using class X2 and Y parts can't hurt?
Correct, they are certified parts specifically for this job.
Whatever you do DO NOT purchase through ebay, amazon etc!!!
I recomend RS. Mouser etc
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/film-capacitors/1262213?gb=s
and
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/film-capacitors/0334596P?gb=s
Data sheet attached
Whatever you do DO NOT purchase through ebay, amazon etc!!!
I recomend RS. Mouser etc
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/film-capacitors/1262213?gb=s
and
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/film-capacitors/0334596P?gb=s
Data sheet attached
Attachments
Use a fused IEC filter inlet and it's all taken care of for you. Saves a lot of hassle.