Without a multimeter, how can I determine the positive and negative terminals of a capacitor?
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 the capacitors we commonly use have polarity, while others do not distinguish polarity.
1. Capacitors that do not distinguish polarity
Our most common CBB capacitors, ceramic capacitors, and polyester capacitors do not have polarity differentiation, so there is no need to pay attention to polarity when using them.
2. Distinguish between polarized capacitors
Solid state capacitors. Solid state capacitors can be distinguished based on the markings on the capacitor casing. The casing marked with a black border indicates the negative electrode, or the capacitor with a short pin indicates the negative electrode.
Aluminum electrolytic capacitor. There will be a "-" symbol marked on the casing of the capacitor, with one side marked as the negative electrode.
Tantalum electrolytic capacitor. The side of the capacitor casing with a dark painted edge is the positive electrode.
When using capacitors as important components in circuits, attention should be paid to selecting the correct capacitor parameters based on different characteristics. And 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 and voltage reduction capacitors, etc. They are all AC capacitors that do not distinguish between positive and negative poles. The commonly used code is ACxx microfarads, and there is no need to distinguish between positive and negative poles. For televisions, DVs, recorders, and energy-saving lamps, DC capacitors are used to output DC voltage after AC rectification. The common code is DCx x x microfarads. Generally, the negative shell is marked with the symbol "one", which corresponds to the negative pole of the capacitor, and the other foot is the positive pole. It is easy to see without a multimeter.
Just look at the appearance, let me tell you how to look.
Capacitors are divided into polar capacitors 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.
