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Old 1st Jul 2015, 11:39 am   #56
Billy T
Retired Dormant Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Posts: 631
Default Re: capacitors in series - pitfalls?

Quote:
Originally Posted by boxdoctor View Post
Just a small point on the above subject - If you connect electrolytics in series, you will also have to bear in mind that the E.S.R. will probably be materially larger than that of a single unit rated to do the same job. If you use two identical caps , then the E.S.R. would be twice that of one of them. This probably wont matter in valve equipment, but would need to be borne in mind in the case of a S.M.P.S. or similar application. Tony
I agree, but the ESR of modern caps is very low (this I know from testing, not assumption) while the ESR of the original caps would probably not be up to current production standards. However, for an SMPS repair I would always use a single cap of the correct spec and of reputable brand, regardless of cost. With over 700 SMPS repairs under my belt, I know that cheap electros (ex China) are not advisable for SMPS use, and I will only use known brands of good repute.

Cheers

Billy
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