I'm installing a new power switch on my Hafler DH-200 amp. I found a related thread here, and purchased the correct Mouser replacement switch based on the excellent information included in the thread.
It was also advised that a new capacitor of .01 uF, or higher be installed along with the new switch.
My question is if the ".01" value referred to is actually .001?
My local Radio Shack stocks this capacitor: .001uF 500V 2% H.Q.
The original cap marking appears as: 502M 500V, as per the Radio Shack employee (I could'nt read any of it).
As this is my first attempt making a repair electronic in nature, I want to be certain that I am using the correct capacitor.
Thanks for your help!
It was also advised that a new capacitor of .01 uF, or higher be installed along with the new switch.
My question is if the ".01" value referred to is actually .001?
My local Radio Shack stocks this capacitor: .001uF 500V 2% H.Q.
The original cap marking appears as: 502M 500V, as per the Radio Shack employee (I could'nt read any of it).
As this is my first attempt making a repair electronic in nature, I want to be certain that I am using the correct capacitor.
Thanks for your help!
If the capacitor is across the switch (or anything mains related) then these days its essential to use caps called "Class X" type which are self healing.
0.01uf is 10nf and sounds about right for switch supression (I'm assuming thats what you are referring to).
502M will be 5000pf or 5 nf. So the 0.01uf sounds in the right value range for a mod or uprated part.
0.01uf is 10nf and sounds about right for switch supression (I'm assuming thats what you are referring to).
502M will be 5000pf or 5 nf. So the 0.01uf sounds in the right value range for a mod or uprated part.
Its done.Thank you Mooly. Yes, the capacitor bridges two terminals on the power switch. It's purpose is for initial supression when turning the amp on, from what I gathered, reading through the related thread.
So, it appears that I should look for a .01 uF (rather than .001 uF) 500V capacitor, correct?
So, it appears that I should look for a .01 uF (rather than .001 uF) 500V capacitor, correct?
The actual value is not too critical. Anything from 1nF to 10nF will do. The Class X rating is more important. The main purpose of the cap is to suppress arcs when switching off, but it may also provide a small amount of mains filtering during normal use. Normally it should connect across the mains transformer secondary, but best to copy whatever was there before.
Thank you both. I did'nt know anything about Class X rated capacitors.I'll be sure to specify same when ordering. I'm glad to have posted here, as I don't want to destroy this old amp.
I wonder if "Class X" even existed when this amp was built. The new capacitor could be a nice improvement over the original.
I wonder if "Class X" even existed when this amp was built. The new capacitor could be a nice improvement over the original.
Don't worry about 500V DC rating - that was the old cap. In the days before X rating they had to use a fairly large DC rating.
In Europe a Class X cap will be rated at something like 275V AC, but perhaps less than that for the US? I'm sure you will find suitable caps in any good catalogue. As I said, the actual value does not matter too much.
In Europe a Class X cap will be rated at something like 275V AC, but perhaps less than that for the US? I'm sure you will find suitable caps in any good catalogue. As I said, the actual value does not matter too much.
275VAC
630VDC
Thats what the X-caps are rated.
As before actually.
And I agree, 1-10nF is good.
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