Electrolytic capacitor values - Page 2 - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

tin0gauge · 3rd Feb 2017, 5:25 pm

Well thank you all for a very educational line of information. I think most of my assumptions were supported although in a much more technical dialogue. I am on a steep learning curve.

kellys_eye · 25th Mar 2017, 12:41 am

Given the much smaller value range of capacitors (E3 mostly) that we are faced with these days and electrolytics being a particular issue I find that it is only if the capacitor is a critical timing part of a circuit do I pay too much attention to the replacement values.

With a range of 1uF, 2.2uF and 4.7uF (plus their decimal multiples) being the usually supplied values, when I come across values such as 6.8uF or 8.2uF I go straight for a 10uF replacement.

Similarly the 3.3uF or 5.6uF get replaced with 4.7uF - and so on with decimal multiples.

I have yet to fall foul of any issues relating to this method for replacement (i.e. I haven't found a dodgy E6/E12 value electrolytic in a timing circuit) but adjustment of the associated resistance will cope with that should it occur.

Naturally, working voltage values equal-to or exceeding the replaced device is mandatory.....

3rd Feb 2017, 5:25 pm	#21
tin0gauge Tetrode Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Guildford, Surrey, UK. Posts: 82	Re: Electrolytic capacitor values Well thank you all for a very educational line of information. I think most of my assumptions were supported although in a much more technical dialogue. I am on a steep learning curve.

25th Mar 2017, 12:41 am	#22
kellys_eye Octode Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Oban, Scotland, UK. Posts: 1,129	Re: Electrolytic capacitor values Given the much smaller value range of capacitors (E3 mostly) that we are faced with these days and electrolytics being a particular issue I find that it is only if the capacitor is a critical timing part of a circuit do I pay too much attention to the replacement values. With a range of 1uF, 2.2uF and 4.7uF (plus their decimal multiples) being the usually supplied values, when I come across values such as 6.8uF or 8.2uF I go straight for a 10uF replacement. Similarly the 3.3uF or 5.6uF get replaced with 4.7uF - and so on with decimal multiples. I have yet to fall foul of any issues relating to this method for replacement (i.e. I haven't found a dodgy E6/E12 value electrolytic in a timing circuit) but adjustment of the associated resistance will cope with that should it occur. Naturally, working voltage values equal-to or exceeding the replaced device is mandatory.....