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Old November 2nd 05, 10:00 AM
Ian White G/GM3SEK
 
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Default Defibrillator caps for ham use?

James Skalski wrote:
Has anyone use a oil filled cap from a debrillator for a high voltage
amplifier? What are the differences in this cap?

Jim n2go


Defibrillator caps are only rated for energy storage, and are not
designed or rated to handle AC ripple current. Voltage ratings of defib
or photoflash capacitors are likely to be given as "...kVP" and there
will be no ripple current marking.

AG6K gives further information on his website:
http://www.somis.org/D-amplifiers3.html

Follow Rich's recommendation: test the capacitor first with low-voltage
alternating current, and if it doesn't get warm, operate it
substantially below the maximum voltage rating. However, my own
experience has been that such "kVP-rated" capacitors may work fine for a
few years and then suddenly fail short-circuit. I've lost two that way,
and wouldn't use them any more.


--
73 from Ian G/GM3SEK 'In Practice' columnist for RadCom (RSGB)
http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek