Sanity check - amputate extraneous legs on capacitor?

[seanc]

So I made an mistake when I read the capacitor type and referenced the wrong datasheet.

I'm replacing a snap-in capacitor with 2 legs, the ones I have purchased have 4 legs.
The datasheet just seems to mention that it improves 'stability' and keys the polarity, I'm assuming it's physical stability, not endurance.

So as you can see from the image and datasheet, we have positive, negative and two 'isolate' pads. Are they isolated, as in, do nothing? Can I amputate the legs and use the capacitor as a normal 2 pin snap-in?

[seanc]

Re: Sanity check - amputate extraneous legs on capacitor?

The answer to my own question, is that even if I had chopped the extra legs off, the positive and negative legs on these are too wide compared to a standard 2 pin snap-in capacitor.

Case closed. I'll see if I can exchange these for the right ones with Mouser.

[ratdude747]

Re: Sanity check - amputate extraneous legs on capacitor?

like n00bs who buy axial caps (as opposed to radial)

yeah, return it... idk if there is a restocking fee... be forewarned.

[Krankshaft]

Re: Sanity check - amputate extraneous legs on capacitor?

Check out Panasonic TS-HA, TS-HB, TS-HC, or TS-ED series.

They're all standard 2 pin radial snap ins and I'm sure one of the series will have the size you are looking for. I have always been able to find the right can size to fit in those four series.

That datasheet was deceptive usually they have a drawing of the bottom leads with the pin spacings on it.

[Per Hansson]

Re: Sanity check - amputate extraneous legs on capacitor?

...and if they don't want to exchange it you could get a drill and make new holes in the PCB spaced further apart
If it is a single layer PCB and there is room underneath that would allow this
Could even make the two extra holes for support if there is room for that too

[seanc]

Re: Sanity check - amputate extraneous legs on capacitor?

Check out Panasonic TS-HA

Those are the ones I wanted

It's been a couple of weeks since I've been able to get round to taking the old caps out of the amp to discover that the hole spacing is wrong - will check out their returns policy.

I'm not too sure I'm up for drilling holes yet. The chances of NAD sending me a free PCB because I broke mine is slim.

Shame they don't seem to admit to using bad caps in the C320BEE (2002 manufacture date - my Dad bought it when it was new), they admitted to it in the C272 units.
Interestingly, my previous C320 (non BEE) had exactly the same problem, but manufactured in 1998.

The problems in both amps manifested themselves differently, I was surprised to find the same caps blown, I was expecting a big hunt.

[seanc]

Re: Sanity check - amputate extraneous legs on capacitor?

Amp now fixed, see here: https://www.badcaps.net/forum/showpo...37&postcount=8

[Agent24]

Re: Sanity check - amputate extraneous legs on capacitor?

like n00bs who buy axial caps (as opposed to radial)

As far as I know that's not really an issue, just stand it up vertically and bend one lead over, like when mounting resistors in tight spaces.

Only a problem if you've got several in a row and they don't fit or something.

[severach]

Re: Sanity check - amputate extraneous legs on capacitor?

Axial caps are no good in SMPS. The minimum lead length is too long.

[Agent24]

Re: Sanity check - amputate extraneous legs on capacitor?

Axial caps are no good in SMPS. The minimum lead length is too long.

Oh really? does it increase ESR too much or something?