polarized caps vs non-polarized whats the differance

INOVERMYHEAD

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polarized caps vs non-polarized whats the differance

polarized caps vs non-polarized whats the differance. . and how do you tell whitch is witch?? is it just a matter of the negative bar is not on the polarized ones??? I only ask because my BR cap kit did not have all of the caps i need and i dont want to swap out the wrong ones in a attempt to replace the remaing caps. .
 
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Short answer: polarization :)

Non-polar (also known as bi-polar) caps can be installed in any direction. They do not have a negative side or a positive side...in essence, both sides are the same.

On a polarized cap, attention needs to be given to it's polarization. This cap can only be installed in one "direction". One side of the cap is negative, while the other side is positive. When installed backwards, it can kill it....sometimes it will even explode. Also, whatever circuit you install it in probably won't work properly.

All non-polar caps are marked as such....if not spelled out...non-polar/bi-polar....abbreviated with BP or NP.

Polarized caps will always me marked , also. Modern caps will mark the negative leg with a "minus" bar. Older caps used to mark the positive leg with a "+".

Oh yeah, If your cap has a negative bar...that's a polarized cap.

Edward
 
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