Where to obtain high voltage electrolytics?

[Phil G4SPZ]

RS Components sell 10uF and 15uF 450 volt axial-leaded electrolytic capacitors, at a price, which have reasonable ripple current ratings and look OK as replacements for the common 8uF and 16uF reservoir and smoothing components found in vintage valve equipment. However, before I place an order can anyone recommend an alternative/better or cheaper source?

I vaguely recall that the BVWS have capacitors for sale but I don't think they sell electrolytics.

Many thanks,

[yestertech]

RS also do a 4.7 micfoF axial cap. I often replace defective reservoir caps with two of these in parallel, thereby ensuring that the ripple rating is adequate and that the (often) 8 microF rating is not exceeded.
the BVWS are now selling the FT cap electrolytics, but these are the traditional chassis mount jobs. Not cheap, but then good caps aren't these days.
You can also obtain useful values and single hole screw mount caps from the guy in Germany ( google 'ask jan first' ) again not cheap.
Think of it as an investment against future failiures !

Andy

[humphrey]

I get all my parts from www.justradios.com in Canada the cost of postage is more than compensated by the availability of the parts.

[paulsherwin]

Keep an eye on eBay. Batches of HV electrolytics turn up there from time to time, and often sell for low prices.

There are usually some in scrap switch mode PSUs and these are worth harvesting if in good condition.

Paul

[AC/HL]

Scrap low energy lightbulbs contain one, typically 4.7 mF at 400v.
Be careful not to breathe in the dust, I break them wrapped up in a plastic bag.

[murphyv310]

Originally Posted by humphrey

I get all my parts from www.justradios.com in Canada the cost of postage is more than compensated by the availability of the parts.

Hi
Yes I agree they sell good quality components and have a good range.
Buy in bulk and save money.
Recommended.
Trevor

[paulsherwin]

Originally Posted by AC/HL

Scrap low energy lightbulbs contain one, typically 4.7 mF at 400v.

Make sure you leave these for a few hours before dismantling them. That electrolytic can take a long time to discharge, and it can give you a nasty belt. (I speak from experience )

Paul

[Phil G4SPZ]

Thanks for all the rapid and helpful tips! I've e-mailed Justradios.com for price and shipping costs to the UK; their 450 volt capacitor kits look very good value.

Thanks again,

[Boom]

I can vouch for justradios having ordered from them a few times. Excellent service and value. I still can't find a 2uF (or 2.2uF) cap though that will physically stuff into an old TCC 'micropack' one.

[Oldtimer74]

Try Sycom for the 2.2 mfd. He has a lot of unusual things. I got some small 1 mfd from him.
I assume, Phil, that you were unable to reform the original caps you want to replace?
73
Pat G3IKR

[arjoll]

NZVRS do axial HV electros (and polyesters) at very good prices for members, and membership is cheap (NZ$30, GBP11 or EUR6 for UK). You'll need to factor in freight, but I can't see it being much more expensive than freight from Canada!

[Boom]

Originally Posted by Oldtimer74

Try Sycom for the 2.2 mfd.

Thanks Pat. Just looked and they stop at 100V. I need 200 at least.

[Phil G4SPZ]

Originally Posted by Oldtimer74

I assume, Phil, that you were unable to reform the original caps you want to replace?
73
Pat G3IKR

No, Pat, this was beyond reforming - a large cardboard-cased 'dry electrolytic' sealed with pitch, more like a large firework in appearance than a capacitor! Looking at the leaking pitch, I imagined it would also have behaved like a firework if I'd tried to reform it...

[daviddeakin]

I get all my HV electrolytics from www.rapidonline.com, although they've recently increased the minimum-price-for-free-postage to £30, which is highly annoying.

[AlanBeckett]

Was that the company that was called Rapid Recall many moons ago?

[Ian B]

The BVWS do now have stocks of 8+8, 16+16 & 32+32 high voltage electrolytics. There was a leaflet with the last Bulletin - but I've mislaid it!

Ian Blackbourn