Class X2 and Y2 (X1) Capacitors; uses of. - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Radio_Dave · 4th Feb 2006, 12:35 pm

Hi,

What is the difference between Class X2 and Y2 (X1) capacitors

.

I need to stock up on some caps for mains RF bypass use and some to make capacitor droppers. Which type would be best suited for these positions?

Thanks
David

ppppenguin · 4th Feb 2006, 1:06 pm

Class X are rated for use with mains across them. Typically between live and neutral.

Class Y are rated for mains across them where failure would cause a direct shock hazard. Typically between live and earth. They come in rather smaller values than class X.

For capacitative droppers use class X (any number after the X is OK). Also power factor correction caps from fluorescent lights which you can often acquire for nothing from scrap fittings.

For mains bypass class X is fine too.

paulsherwin · 4th Feb 2006, 1:07 pm

There was a relevant thread some time ago (doesn't precisely answer your question though): https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ead.php?t=4636

I once found an excellent site describing all the different X and Y ratings and their meanings, but I can't find it now

X2 should be fine for a dropper (though I'm a diode man myself

)

Best regards, Paul

Radio_Dave · 4th Feb 2006, 1:32 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by ppppenguin

Class Y are rated for mains across them where failure would cause a direct shock hazard. Typically between live and earth.

So I guess Class Y should be used between an earth socket and the chasis of an AC/DC set?

Thanks
David

paulsherwin · 4th Feb 2006, 1:41 pm

Strictly speaking, yes, though I must admit I don't always bother. It's pretty much impossible to bring an AC/DC valve set into line with modern safety standards.

In fact modern plastic film caps will self heal anyway, so although not formally X/Y rated they should provide full protection - unlike the old waxie that would have been there before!

Best regards, Paul

4th Feb 2006, 12:35 pm	#1
Radio_Dave Nonode Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Norwich, Norfolk, UK. Posts: 2,543	Class X2 and Y2 (X1) Capacitors; uses of. Hi, What is the difference between Class X2 and Y2 (X1) capacitors . I need to stock up on some caps for mains RF bypass use and some to make capacitor droppers. Which type would be best suited for these positions? Thanks David

4th Feb 2006, 1:06 pm	#2
ppppenguin Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: North London, UK. Posts: 6,168	Re: Class X2 and Y2 (X1) Capacitors Class X are rated for use with mains across them. Typically between live and neutral. Class Y are rated for mains across them where failure would cause a direct shock hazard. Typically between live and earth. They come in rather smaller values than class X. For capacitative droppers use class X (any number after the X is OK). Also power factor correction caps from fluorescent lights which you can often acquire for nothing from scrap fittings. For mains bypass class X is fine too.

4th Feb 2006, 1:07 pm	#3
paulsherwin Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 27,957	Re: Class X2 and Y2 (X1) Capacitors There was a relevant thread some time ago (doesn't precisely answer your question though): https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ead.php?t=4636 I once found an excellent site describing all the different X and Y ratings and their meanings, but I can't find it now X2 should be fine for a dropper (though I'm a diode man myself ) Best regards, Paul

4th Feb 2006, 1:41 pm	#5
paulsherwin Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 27,957	Re: Class X2 and Y2 (X1) Capacitors Strictly speaking, yes, though I must admit I don't always bother. It's pretty much impossible to bring an AC/DC valve set into line with modern safety standards. In fact modern plastic film caps will self heal anyway, so although not formally X/Y rated they should provide full protection - unlike the old waxie that would have been there before! Best regards, Paul