switching caps

[humanbn]

I'm switching some caps in my SD-1 Overdrive and I'm curious about voltage ratings on the different caps. The ones I'm changing are 1Uf 50V, I have some other caps that are 1Uf and 63V. What's the difference? This isn't a question concerning sound change between the two caps, I don't think I'll be putting such similar values in anyway.

[D2o]

Sept 4, 2008 14:22:11 GMT -5 humanbn said:

I'm switching some caps in my SD-1 Overdrive and I'm curious about voltage ratings on the different caps. The ones I'm changing are 1Uf 50V, I have some other caps that are 1Uf and 63V. What's the difference? This isn't a question concerning sound change between the two caps, I don't think I'll be putting such similar values in anyway.

Hi bean,

The difference, in a word, is "13V" ... really!

If we were talking about the DC blocking cap in a guitar, we would be far more concerned with ensuring voltage ratings were high enough to protect us ... the human fuses.

In this case, it's just a nominal voltage rating and replacement capacitors that have voltage ratings that are in the 50V ballpark are fine.

DD

[humanbn]

So, other than mathematically, there is really no difference at all?

[D2o]

So, other than mathematically, there is really no difference at all?

Not exactly.

I mean you can use a higher voltage capacitor and not affect tone ... so from that aspect there is no difference.

The "not exactly" part is when you use lower voltage caps and reduce the protection of your equipment or yourself. Staying in the existing voltage ballpark or a little higher is fine, lower voltage is risky - particularly with DC blocking caps.

In your particular application here though, there really is no difference between the 50V and 63V.

DD

[humanbn]

Ok. I get what you're saying. Thanks, D2o.

[ChrisK]

Generally speaking, capacitors need to be rated for a voltage that is greater than what it will be exposed to.

In an effect that is powered by a 9 volt battery or supply, a 15 VDC rating would be fine.