Axial lead electrolytic capacitors in US? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: Bargainhunter
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2020, 05:33:29 pm
content: I do a lot of repairing of older electronic equipment. I am having a hard time locating a supplier for axial lead electrolytics in the U.S.I looked at Mouser, Digikey, Newark and All electronics. I hesitate to purchase capacitors on ebay. I don't want to use radial lead electrolytics if I don't have to.Can anyone recommend a supplier?Thank you,Chuck

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 04, 2020, 05:44:48 pm
content: There are some axial caps sold by those distros (expensive). What did you expect, axial caps are barely produced these days.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2020, 06:42:47 pm
content: Your best option may be old Sprague parts like the 30D series which Vishay still manufacturers, but you will pay a premium. I think it is better to use modern radial parts with one lead folded over.https://www.mouser.com/Vishay/Passive-Components/Capacitors/Aluminum-Electrolytic-Capacitors/Aluminum-Electrolytic-Capacitors-Axial-Leaded/30D-Series/_/N-fb8xj?P=1z0zls5Z1yzstur

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2020, 06:53:49 pm
content: Quote from: Bargainhunter on September 04, 2020, 05:33:29 pmCan you give some specific examples of axial capacitors you are having a hard time finding a replacement for?

author: Bargainhunter
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2020, 07:02:41 pm
content: Right now, I'm looking for 160uf 50v or higher + 200uf 25v or higher + 20uf 350v or higher 12uf 250v or higher.By using radials with one lead folded back, I have to extend the folded back lead and use spaghetti. If axial lead electrolytics are no longer made, I will be forced to use radials.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2020, 08:53:02 pm
content: Quote from: Bargainhunter on September 04, 2020, 07:02:41 pmI prefer to use axials where they were originally installed as well where practical, just for neatness if nothing else.All of your capacitors are in stock at Mouser exactly as you have specified except the first one, which seems to be listed but non-stocked everywhere in 160uF. However, 150uF and 200uF are readily available and it would be an extremely rare circuit that would have any trouble with either of them as a substitute. If you don't want to meet the minimum order (typically 100 or so), then I'd recommend just using a 150uF. The mutual tolerances likely overlap more than the difference in nominal values.

author: garrettm
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2020, 11:41:07 pm
content: Cornell Dubilier (CDE), Illinois Capacitor, Vishay Sprague and Kemet all offer axial electrolytics. I just bought a bunch of these from Mouser to fix a Tektronix P6042 current probe, an HP 6110A HV power supply, and a Valhalla 2701C calibrator. They are significantly more expensive than radials, but they are still offered.

author: garrettm
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2020, 11:46:34 pm
content: I forgot to add, Kemet and Illinois Capacitor offer higher voltage axial capacitors. You may have to go up in voltage or capacitance to find in stock replacements. Larger capacitance isn't often a bad thing. And going up in voltage generally won't hurt either, though the capacitor may have higher series resistance.

author: TheMG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2020, 01:00:37 am
content: Quote from: Bargainhunter on September 04, 2020, 07:02:41 pmThat's the problem, those are not standard capacitor values anymore.Try looking for more standard values like 150uF, 220uF, 22uF, and 10uF (or 15uF), you'll have much better luck.Axial caps can indeed still be found on Digikey and the like, you just won't find those non-standard values. Keep in mind the tolerance on electrolytic caps, especially in the old days, was very wide. Using the above standard values instead of the exact replacement, is unlikely to be a problem at all.

author: Bargainhunter
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2020, 01:18:30 am
content: Thank you. I will try Mouser and Digikey again looking for standard values.Chuck

author: Haenk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2020, 06:25:11 am
content: Speaking of non-standard-values - most electrolytic caps have a large tolerance on the specs, cheaper ones like -20%/+50%, better ones like +/-10% (rather on the "+" side for brand new ones).So unless it's some tuned circuit, use the larger available capacity (and if size allows it, a higher voltage rating - esp. when replacing older caps, the larger new ones often match the old form factor...)

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 05, 2020, 11:08:05 am
content: Quote from: Haenk on September 05, 2020, 06:25:11 amI don't think it correlates with the price. Large non symmetric tolerance is usually found on large can/screw type capacitors, and some of them very expensive. The most common for cheap capacitors is +/-20%.