- #1
steve9983
- 8
- 0
How can you determine the polarity an electrolytic capacitor (if it is indeterminable from a visual inspection)
Capacitor Polarity: Determining Polarity Visually & Beyond
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SUMMARY
Determining the polarity of an electrolytic capacitor can be achieved through resistance measurements using a Digital Volt Meter (DVM). When the DVM leads are connected correctly, the capacitor shows an open circuit, while reversing the leads results in a different reading due to leakage current. It is essential to consult the capacitor's datasheet for reverse leakage current specifications and to use a high impedance source for accurate measurements. Safety precautions are critical, as incorrect connections can lead to capacitor failure, resulting in explosive outcomes.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of electrolytic capacitors and their construction
- Familiarity with Digital Volt Meters (DVM) and their usage
- Knowledge of dielectric absorption and its effects on measurements
- Awareness of safety protocols when working with capacitors
- Research the specifications and characteristics of polarized electrolytic capacitors
- Learn about the effects of dielectric absorption in capacitors
- Study the failure modes of electrolytic capacitors and their safety implications
- Explore the use of bi-polar capacitors and their applications in circuits
Electronics engineers, hobbyists working with capacitors, and anyone involved in circuit design and troubleshooting will benefit from this discussion.
- #2
berkeman
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Use your DVM. Measure the resistance both ways -- you'll get basically an open circuit (or charges up to an open circuit) measurement when you match your +/- DVM leads to the +/- of the cap. You'll get a different reading when you measure it backwards, because you'll get a small leakage current and a couple of volts across the cap. I just tried it in the lab and got a negative resistance with two different DVMs -- I'm not sure where the negative sign is coming from, but whatever.
Look on the datasheet for electrolytic caps, and they'll list a reverse leakage current at some reverse bias. Always use a high impedance source (like a DVM, or a power supply with a 10K Ohm resistor) when doing this kind of measurement. Hook an electrolytic cap up backwards to a low impedance power supply, and you'd better be wearing safety glasses! Boom.
Look on the datasheet for electrolytic caps, and they'll list a reverse leakage current at some reverse bias. Always use a high impedance source (like a DVM, or a power supply with a 10K Ohm resistor) when doing this kind of measurement. Hook an electrolytic cap up backwards to a low impedance power supply, and you'd better be wearing safety glasses! Boom.
- #3
dlgoff
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Did you discharge the cap after the first measument?berkeman said:
- #4
berkeman
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Yeah, I tried that. Then tried a 2nd capacitor in the reverse polarity first. I'll have to figure this out sometime (no time now). Thanks, -Mike-dlgoff said:
- #5
Averagesupernova
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berkeman said:
What you are seeing I believe is caused by dielectric absorption. Try a circuit with a lower source impedance than what your DVM has in ohms range.
- #6
frogdogbb
- 45
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It is possible that it is a bi-polar cap so orientation is not important. Unless it is really old polerised electros almost always have a stripe running vertical on the case or horizontal for an axial, indicating the negative side. The positive side always has a longer lead.
- #7
berkeman
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Not always. I've seen some mislabeled electrolytics. Yikes. Always wear your safety glasses when you power up a new circuit...frogdogbb said:
- #8
rachmaninoff
What happens when an electrolytic cap fails? Does it explode? Does the aluminum combust or oxidize? Are there any pictures of what happens?
- #9
berkeman
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Yeah, big pop/boom. I'm not sure of the mechanism, but I've been there when it happens. That's one of the reasons that electrolytic caps have scored metal tops -- to help aim the blowout.rachmaninoff said:
Just for fun -- We have a poster on the wall in my lab, called the "Doctor Destructo" poster. We have blown up parts and pictures of blown up instruments pasted to the poster. We only have a couple blown up electrolytic caps taped to the poster, though. More caps would pull the poster off the wall...
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- #10
Matrax
- 6
- 0
Polarized Electrolitic caps use a Electrolitic solute as the dielectric for the two internal metal plates. When powered up with correct polarity it forms a non-conductive oxide on the positive plate. When you reverse the connections, the dielectric oxide film breaks down and allows very high currents to flow thus heating the capasitor and forming a gas by boiling off the water in the electrolytic. The gas expands and blows the capasitor's casing.
Hint: Never use a polarized cap with pure AC without using a DC polarizing voltage across the capasitor.
Hint: Never use a polarized cap with pure AC without using a DC polarizing voltage across the capasitor.