Re: Replacements for wax capacitors.

[Bryant <bryant@merge1.mergetel.com>]

David Brendon wrote:
> 
> I'm replacing the wax capacitors in a Leslie 21H amp (Series 3).
> 
> Are there any recommendations for type of caps?  What about polarity?  I 
> noticed the wax ones are marked outside.
> 
> The voltage levels on the wax caps are 600 VDC, 400 VDC and 1000 VDC.  Do the 
> replacement caps I use need to have voltage ratings this high?
> 
> TIA,
> David Brendon
> Hamilton, Ontario
> V3, 21H, M, U20, MK80
> 
>     ---------------------------------------------------------------
> 
>                 Part 1.2       Type: application/ms-tnef
>                            Encoding: base64
David:

The most common (& most economical) type of capacitor you will find are
epoxy coated polypropylene.  Sprague "Orange Drops" or Mallory type PVC
are common examples.  Yes, you must observe polarity.  The band on the
old wax type marked the "outside foil".  It is usually connected to the
side closest to ground potential.  The replacement types have a similar
marking.  If you get it backwards, nothing will blow up (not like an
electrolytic type), but you may get increased noise in the circuit.

You may use a replacement of higher voltage, but don't go lower.  In
fact, you will probably want to use 600WVDC replacements for all of
them, as you will find them to be the most easily obtained, and least
expensive. 

A final note:  the replacements have radial leads (leads come out of one
side).  The wax types were axial leads (out of the ends, like an axle). 
No problem, just bend the leads as needed, but hole the lead with
needle-nose pliers close to the body of the cap, to prevent damaging the
epoxy seal.

... Bryant