How Do You Tell The Polarity Of An Electrolytic Capacitor?
Capacitors, both small- and large-volume, are found in nearly all forms of electronic equipment. These components perform two vital actions in any electronic circuit: they store electricity, and they filter out direct current (DC) while passing through only alternating current (AC). Electrolytic capacitors are designed to store a larger amount of electricity, and they have polarity–meaning they have a positive side and a negative side. Electronics engineering standards stipulate that such capacitors must be manufactured with polarity markings on them so as to assist in proper placement of the capacitors into a circuit. Place your capacitor on a shop workbench or a table in a well-lit area. Hold your magnifying glass over the capacitor to magnify the markings on the external body of the component. Rotate the capacitor slowly while watching for the markings and graphical images on the capacitor. Some electrolytic capacitors will have only the negative side marked; the symbols will appea
