0.01uf Capacitor

[suburbiaboy]

Hi guys,

I've just been given an old Trio (Kenwood) integrated amp. After getting it working briefly it's now dead and I seem to have blown a capacitor across the mains.

The capacitor is marked at 0.01uF at 630wV. Does anyone know where I can find such a capacitor?

Thanks in advance.

[paulsherwin]

You will need an X2 rated capacitor. Maplins sell them - the value isn't critical and anything between 0.0047uf and 0.047uf will be OK. You will probably find some suitable caps if you dismantle an old computer PSU.

Paul

[suburbiaboy]

Great thanks.

Unfortunatly I just moved on a few old computers so I'll be off to Maplin.

Aside from age, any general speculations on what could cause problems with a capacitor across the mains and the fuse? When I was given it there was no fuse and I'm now wondering if there is a problem in this area.

Thanks

[howard]

Hello,

Maplins do a 0.01uf Class x2 safety capacitor for 31p, part number N65CN.

Howard

[geofy]

I use an X2 rated encapsulated device which is a 0.01 cap in series with a 120Ohm resistor XEB1201 from RS or Farnell. Another useful device to put directly after the mains switch is a two lead semiconductor which remains high until a spike appears, it then goes low and shorts out the spike, don't have a number for them but they are in the catalogue. I have had these safely fitted without any trouble for years to various bits of kit.

Geof

[paulsherwin]

Originally Posted by suburbiaboy

Aside from age, any general speculations on what could cause problems with a capacitor across the mains and the fuse? When I was given it there was no fuse and I'm now wondering if there is a problem in this area.

Capacitors across the mains shouldn't fail short circuit - class X2 caps are specifically rated not to do this. If the cap *does* fail short circuit it will almost certainly blow any protecting fuse. The cap may have been zapped by a mains spike.

This isn't to say that you don't have an additional fault of course - there's no knowing that from the info you've given.

Paul

[suburbiaboy]

Ok that's fair enough.

Thanks to all for all of the help.

[Station X]

The amp should still work with this capacitor removed. It might be worth removing it and replacing any blown fuses. You can then see if the amp works before spending money on a new capacitor.

[suburbiaboy]

Yeah, that make sense I'll pull it out and give that a go.

Thanks

[julie_m]

Originally Posted by geofy

Another useful device to put directly after the mains switch is a two lead semiconductor which remains high until a spike appears, it then goes low and shorts out the spike, don't have a number for them but they are in the catalogue.

A metal oxide varistor, you mean? CP76H from Maplin, 99p.

[geofy]

Originally Posted by ajs_derby

A metal oxide varistor, you mean? CP76H from Maplin, 99p.

That's the chap, though the ones I use have a white body with an orange and black band.

Geof

[Oldtimer74]

These varistors come in a variety of voltage and other specifications. I don`t know about Maplin but Farnell sell a range. I have one across my mains input to the house to help keep spikes out of equipment. We are fed by overhead lines here.
Pat