troubleshooting a capacitor

Thread Starter

tallsailor22

Joined May 5, 2011
1
I have read the info on testing caps. How can I tell if I have an electrolytic cap?

I have a 35 μF capacitor.

New to this. Thanks.
 

beenthere

Joined Apr 20, 2004
15,819
Does the capacitor have a polarity marked on it? We could tell more from a photo, although the capacity almost makes it certain that it is.
 

ErnieM

Joined Apr 24, 2011
8,377
Read part number on part. Type said number into google.com. Or digikey.com. Or FindChips.com. Follow link to data sheet.

Read the data sheet.

If no part number on part or search returns no hits then dispose of said equipment in an environmentally responsible fashion.
 

kingdano

Joined Apr 14, 2010
377
it basically comes down to the physical form factor

electrolytic and the newer "alum-alytic" caps look like soda cans basically.
 

vladtess

Joined Jan 5, 2011
43
If its an electrolytic capacitor, it will have a polarity markings on in, looking like a can as seen on picture.

The longer end is + terminal and shorter pin is the negative terminal.
 
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