How to determine the positive and negative poles of a capacitor without a multimeter
We usually use a multimeter to measure values such as voltage, current, resistance, and capacitance. How can we determine the positive and negative poles of a capacitor without a multimeter?
Some of our common capacitors have polarity, while others do not distinguish polarity.
1. Polarity insensitive capacitance
Our most common CBB capacitors, ceramic capacitors, and polyester capacitors do not have polarity differentiation, and polarity does not need to be taken into account when using them.
2. Polarity distinguishing capacitors
Solid state capacitors. Solid state capacitors can be distinguished based on the markings on the capacitor casing, with the black edge indicating the negative electrode or the short capacitor pin indicating the negative electrode.
Aluminum electrolytic capacitors. There will be a "-" symbol marked on the outer shell of the capacitor, with one side marked as the negative electrode.
Tantalum electrolytic capacitors. The side of the capacitor shell with a dark painted edge is the positive electrode.
When using capacitors as important components in circuits, it is important to pay attention and choose the correct capacitor parameters based on different characteristics. The distinction between positive and negative poles is generally based on these methods.
AC capacitors do not distinguish between positive and negative poles, such as single-phase motor starting capacitors, washing machine starting capacitors, electric fan starting capacitors, energy-saving lamp damping step-down capacitors, etc., are all AC capacitors that do not distinguish between positive and negative polarity. The commonly used code is ACxx micro method, which does not need to distinguish between positive and negative poles. After rectifying the AC power of televisions, Dv, recorders, and energy-saving lamps, the DC voltage output is used as a DC capacitor, which is usually marked as DCx × Micro method labeling, generally the negative electrode shell is marked with a "one" sign, which corresponds to the negative electrode of the capacitor, and the other foot is the positive electrode, which can be easily understood without a multimeter.
Just look at the appearance, let me tell you how to look next.
Capacitors are divided into polar and non polar capacitors. Non polar capacitors do not distinguish between positive and negative poles, while only polar capacitors distinguish between positive and negative poles.
