Measuring voltage and capacitance of capacitors in parallel? how do?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the practical aspects of measuring voltage and capacitance in a setup involving six 450V, 10000μF capacitors connected in parallel. Participants explore methods for monitoring the capacitors during charging and discharging, as well as safety considerations related to handling high-voltage capacitors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Safety considerations

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a straightforward method to monitor the charging and discharging of the capacitors.
  • Another participant questions the specifications provided, noting a potential error in the voltage rating.
  • A participant emphasizes the importance of understanding how to measure properties of the circuit that change when the capacitors are charged, suggesting the use of a multimeter.
  • Concerns are raised about the polarity of the capacitors, indicating they are likely electrolytic.
  • A warning is issued regarding the potential lethality of charged capacitors and the importance of health and safety instructions from the supervising teacher.
  • One participant suggests using a voltage divider and incorporating a fuse for safety, advising against manual meter application due to the energy involved.
  • Another participant mentions the option of using a DC voltage transducer for isolation, highlighting the high costs associated with monitoring equipment.
  • A caution is given that the capacitors may already be charged, which could pose additional risks.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of concern regarding safety and the technical aspects of measuring voltage and capacitance. There is no consensus on a single method for monitoring the capacitors, and multiple approaches are suggested.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not established a clear understanding of the specifications of the capacitors, and there are unresolved questions about the appropriate methods for safe measurement and monitoring.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in practical electronics, safety in high-voltage applications, and methods for measuring electrical properties in capacitor circuits.

namlooc
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im hooking up 6 450v 10000uf capacitors in parallel for an exparement for school (under supervision of my professor) he won't tell me how to monitor these devices and how to know when they are full and when to release them.
does anyone think they could give me a quick and dirty answer?
 
Last edited:
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namlooc said:
im hooking up 6 450v 10000v capacitors ...

Uh ... what is a 450v 10000v cap ? ONE of those "v"s has got to be wrong.
 
phinds said:
Uh ... what is a 450v 10000v cap ? ONE of those "v"s has got to be wrong.
sorry i missed that it should by 450v and 10000uf each
 
What do you know about charging capacitors?
What measurable property/s of the circuit will change once the caps are charged?
Can you use a multimeter to measure those property/s?
 
450V,10000 μF must be an electrolytic cap. Watch out for polarity of these
 
I hope you teacher has been thorough in the health and safety instructions he's given you. There's a lot of energy (lethal) in one of those capacitors, when charged. (Can you calculate it?) Also, discharging one through a short circuit could damage it.
Before we go any further, it would be useful to know your level of education and expertise - or we could be talking well above or below that level.
 
The down and dirty ( and relativity safe) is to make a voltage divider(I would throw in a fuse for good measure - no pun intended). -- You should not be applying a meter to this assembly manually, there is too much energy there.

You can also buy a DC voltage transducer - that would provide isolation. ( PhoenixContact has one for ~$600)

What you will find in this type of assembly is the parts are relatively simple and inexpensive - however the interface, control and monitoring costs are high.
 
Beware.. the capacitors might be charged already.
 

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