What's a capacitor?
A capacitor, or cap, is an electronic component that can take up, store, and discharge electrical energy. Because they can do all that quickly, capacitors are used to filter or buffer any sudden changes in a circuit's voltage, smoothing the ensuing signal.
What's a capacitor used for?
In car audio, large outboard capacitors, sometimes called stiffening caps, are used to prevent lights from dimming when loud bass notes play. They accomplish this by supplying the amplifier with a quick jolt of power.
How do I hook up a capacitor?
Connecting and installing capacitors involves the following steps:
1. Safety First: Disconnect power and discharge capacitors fully using a resistor.
2. Identify Terminals: Locate the positive (anode) and negative (cathode) terminals.
3. Correct Polarity: Ensure correct polarity; connect positive to positive, negative to negative.
4. Secure Connections: Use appropriate connectors and ensure secure, tight connections.
5. Mount Properly: Mount capacitors firmly using brackets or clamps to avoid vibration.
6. Test: After installation, test the circuit for proper operation and check for leakage or overheating.
Always refer to our datasheet for specific instructions.
What is a snap-in capacitor?
It is a radial lead aluminum electrolytic capacitor that has SNAP-LOCK terminals. These terminals allow for the capacitor to be locked into place to prevent any unnecessary movement.
What is the lead spacing on a snap-in capacitor?
For 2 pin style snap-in capacitors the standard lead spacing for any standard diameter size is 10mm.
What size capacitor should I get?
The rule of thumb is to put in 1 Farad of capacitance for every 1,000 watts RMS of total system power. But there is no electronic penalty for using larger value caps, and in fact, many see benefits with 2 or 3 Farads per 1,000 watts RMS. The larger the cap, the more charge is available for the amp when it needs it.
