cap can question

[joesatch]

can a 50 + 50uf cap can have the two sections wired in series? i'm guessing no since they share the same ground.  So when folks tie the two + leads together they are paralleling the two sections to get double capacitance with the same voltage?

[shooter]

No is correct


"caps in parallel are like resistors in series"
so double the capacitance (think cap plate surface area)


Needs a double-check but think; "voltage is halved"

[dwinstonwood]

oops, never mind! deleted.

[joesatch]

well imma cut open this cap can in the hopes there are two smaller caps inside i can pull out and wire in series.

[shooter]

what's your end-game?  Higher voltage rating?

[Carlsoti]

Vintage can caps are layers of various materials rolled into a cylinder, impregnated with electrolytic material, then stuffed in a can and sealed up, not just a couple smaller caps stuffed in the can. Some newer vintage-style replacements might be that way, though.

[stratomaster]

what's your end-game?  Higher voltage rating?

Just add a 2nd cap in series. A 100-220μF at 160v is relatively small. Add appropriate totem pole resistors to ensure voltage rating isn't exceeded.  Take a look at the reservoir cap on the Deluxe Reverb reissue schematic.

No need to cut a cap open.

[kagliostro]

https://www.nmr.mgh.harvard.edu/~reese/electrolytics/

https://www.instructables.com/Tube-Radio-Capacitor-Can-Replacement/

Franco