How Do You Install A Radial Electrolytic Capacitor?
You may encounter some confusion when installing an electrolytic capacitor into a circuit for the first time. While most capacitors are non-polar, and can be placed either way, electrolytics are polarized. An incorrectly installed electrolytic will be damaged by reverse polarity and may consequently damage other parts in the circuit, as well. Fortunately, if you look at the capacitor and the circuit, you’ll see markings that will guide you to a good installation. Examine the capacitor. One side will be marked with a symbol indicating polarity. If you see a a plus (+) sign, the lead closest to that mark is the the positive lead. If you see a minus (-) sign, the lead is negative. If you see only a stripe, that usually indicates the negative side. The positive lead is longer on most electrolytic capacitors. If one lead is marked positive, the other must be negative, and vice versa. Find the point on the circuit board where you’ll be placing the capacitor. It will also have a polarity mark
