Non Polarized Capacitor Symbol | Capacitor Symbol | Polar Capacitor Symbol | Polarized Capacitor Symbol | Capacitor Symbol Polarity | Paper Capacitor is a Type of | Paper Capacitor | How to Test Capacitor | HVAC Capacitor | Capacitor | Capacitor for AC | AC Capacitor

Capacitors are an essential component of electrical circuits. These passive electronic components store energy in an electric field, and they are widely used in a variety of applications, from simple electronic devices to complex industrial machinery. Capacitors are represented by a symbol that is used in circuit diagrams to indicate their presence and properties. In this article, we will explore the capacitor symbol in detail, discussing its various elements, meanings, and applications.

Non Polarized Capacitor Symbol | Capacitor Symbol | Polar Capacitor Symbol

1. The capacitor symbol is used to represent a capacitor in electrical circuit diagrams.
2. It consists of two parallel lines that represent the plates of the capacitor and a curved line connecting them, which represents the dielectric material between the plates.
3. The symbol is usually accompanied by a label indicating the capacitance value, which is measured in farads (F).
4. The polarity of the capacitor is also indicated by a + or - sign, with the positive terminal connected to the plate with the shorter line and the negative terminal connected to the plate with the longer line.
5. Capacitors are passive electronic components that store electrical energy and are commonly used in filters, timing circuits, and power supplies.
6. Different types of capacitors have different properties, such as capacitance range, voltage rating, temperature coefficient, and tolerance, which are indicated by additional symbols or markings on the component.
7. The symbol for a non-polarized capacitor is usually a simple rectangle with two parallel lines representing the plates of the capacitor, with no plus or minus signs to indicate polarity. This symbol is used to indicate that the capacitor can be connected in either direction in a circuit without causing any problems. 

Capacitor Symbols and Their Meanings

What is a Capacitor Symbol?

The capacitor symbol is a graphical representation of a capacitor that is used in circuit diagrams. The symbol consists of two parallel lines that represent the plates of the capacitor and a gap between them that represents the dielectric material. The symbol also includes additional elements that indicate the properties and specifications of the capacitor.

Non Polarized Capacitor Symbol

Non Polarized Capacitor symbol is used to indicate that the capacitor can be connected in either direction in a circuit without causing any problems. Non-polarized capacitors are commonly used in AC circuits, as well as in situations where the polarity of the voltage source may be reversed.

Ceramic Capacitor:

Ceramic Capacitor Symbol looks like a small, polarized bead or disc with two wires, one on each side.

Electrolytic Capacitor:

Electrolytic Capacitor Symbol looks like a cylinder with a curved line on one end and a minus (-) sign on the other.

Tantalum Capacitor:

Tantalum Capacitor Symbol looks like a cylinder with a plus (+) sign on one end and a minus (-) sign on the other.

Film Capacitor: 

Film Capacitor Symbol looks like two parallel lines with alternating vertical stripes.

Variable Capacitor:

Variable Capacitor Symbol looks like two parallel lines with an arrow pointing at them, indicating the adjustable nature of the component.

Supercapacitor:

Super capacitor Symbol looks like a capacitor with a lightning bolt through it, indicating its ability to store much more energy than a traditional capacitor.

Condenser is an older term for a capacitor and is not used as commonly anymore. The symbol for a capacitor and condenser are the same.

Paper Capacitor

A Paper Capacitor is a type of capacitor that uses a thin paper dielectric material between its metal electrodes. The paper dielectric is impregnated with an insulating oil or wax to improve its insulation properties and reduce the risk of breakdown.

Paper capacitors are commonly used in high voltage and high frequency applications due to their relatively high dielectric constant, low dielectric absorption, and low dissipation factor. They are also known for their stability over time, as the paper dielectric material does not degrade or lose its insulation properties easily.

One common type of paper capacitor is the rolled capacitor, which consists of two sheets of metal foil separated by a thin layer of paper dielectric material. The foil and paper layers are rolled up tightly to form a compact cylindrical shape, and the ends of the foil are connected to the capacitor terminals.

Another type of paper capacitor is the metalized paper capacitor, which uses a thin metal film deposited on one or both sides of the paper dielectric material. The metal film serves as one of the capacitor electrodes, and the other electrode is typically made of metal foil or wire. Metalized paper capacitors are known for their high capacitance density and low cost.

In general, paper capacitors are not suitable for low voltage or low frequency applications, as their relatively low breakdown voltage and high parasitic inductance can limit their performance. However, in high voltage and high frequency applications, paper capacitors are a popular choice due to their excellent insulation properties, stability, and reliability over time.

Capacitor Symbol types along with typical ratings and applications:

Bipolar Capacitor: 

A bipolar capacitor is a type of electrolytic capacitor that can be used in AC circuits. It can be connected in either direction, hence the name "bipolar." Typical ratings range from a few microfarads to hundreds of microfarads, with voltage ratings from 16V to 100V. Applications include audio circuits, power supplies, and frequency filters.

Feed-through Capacitor: 

A feed-through capacitor is a type of capacitor that is designed to be used in high-frequency circuits to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). It is typically rated from a few picofarads to a few hundred picofarads, with voltage ratings from 50V to 1000V. Applications include power supplies, signal processing, and telecommunication equipment.

Armor Capacitor:

An armored capacitor is a type of capacitor that has a metal shield around it to protect it from physical damage and to reduce the risk of electrical arcing. It is typically rated from a few picofarads to a few microfarads, with voltage ratings from 50V to 1000V. Applications include high-voltage power supplies, industrial control systems, and medical equipment.

Voltage Dependent Capacitor: 

A voltage-dependent capacitor (VDC) is a type of capacitor that is designed to provide voltage regulation in electronic circuits. It is typically rated from a few picofarads to a few hundred picofarads, with voltage ratings from 10V to 1000V. Applications include power supplies, signal processing, and telecommunication equipment.

Temperature Dependent Capacitor:

 A temperature-dependent capacitor (TDC) is a type of capacitor that is designed to have a capacitance that varies with temperature. It is typically rated from a few picofarads to a few hundred picofarads, with voltage ratings from 10V to 1000V. Applications include temperature sensors, thermostats, and environmental monitoring systems.

Variable Capacitor: 

A variable capacitor is a type of capacitor that is designed to have a variable capacitance that can be adjusted manually or electronically. It is typically rated from a few picofarads to a few hundred picofarads, with voltage ratings from 10V to 100V. Applications include radio tuners, frequency generators, and analog filters.

Polarized Electrolytic Capacitor: 

A polarized electrolytic capacitor is a type of electrolytic capacitor that has a positive and negative terminal and must be connected in a specific direction. It is typically rated from a few microfarads to a few thousand microfarads, with voltage ratings from 6V to 1000V. Applications include power supplies, audio amplifiers, and electronic ballasts.

Generic Capacitor: 

A generic capacitor is a type of capacitor that does not fit into any of the above categories. It is typically rated from a few picofarads to a few microfarads, with voltage ratings from 10V to 1000V. Applications include general-purpose circuits, timing circuits, and smoothing circuits.

HVAC Capacitor | AC Capacitor | Capacitor for AC

An HVAC capacitor is an essential component of an HVAC system that helps start the compressor and fan motors by storing electrical energy. It works by charging up when power is supplied to it, and then releasing the stored energy to start the motors. HVAC capacitors are commonly rated in microfarads (µF) and have a voltage rating, which specifies the maximum voltage the capacitor can handle. The typical rating for an HVAC capacitor can range from 5 µF to 80 µF, depending on the specific application and system requirements.

In addition to the microfarad rating, HVAC capacitors also have different specifications, such as tolerance, temperature range, and frequency range. The tolerance specifies how close the actual capacitance of the capacitor is to its rated value, while the temperature range specifies the range of temperatures the capacitor can operate within. Frequency range specifies the range of frequencies the capacitor can handle. It is important to select a capacitor with the correct rating and specifications for your specific HVAC system to ensure proper operation and prevent damage.

How to Test Capacitor

Testing a capacitor is an important part of troubleshooting an HVAC system, as a faulty capacitor can cause the system to not work properly. Here are the steps for testing a capacitor:

1. Turn off power to the HVAC system to prevent electrical shock.
2. Locate the capacitor, which is typically a small cylindrical component with two or three wires attached to it.
3. Discharge the capacitor by using a screwdriver with an insulated handle to bridge the two terminals of the capacitor. Be careful not to touch the metal parts of the screwdriver, as there may still be residual voltage.
4. Use a multimeter to test the capacitance of the capacitor. Set the multimeter to the capacitance setting and touch the probes to the terminals of the capacitor. The reading on the multimeter should be within 10% of the rated capacitance.
5. If the capacitance reading is outside of the 10% range, the capacitor is faulty and needs to be replaced.
6. If the capacitance reading is within the 10% range, test the capacitor for continuity. Set the multimeter to the ohms setting and touch the probes to the terminals of the capacitor. The multimeter should show a reading, and then gradually increase to infinity.
7. If the multimeter shows no continuity, the capacitor is faulty and needs to be replaced.

How do you calculate HVAC capacitor?

To calculate the required capacitance of an HVAC capacitor, follow these steps:

1. Measure the voltage of the HVAC system using a multimeter.
2. Check the specifications on the motor or compressor that the capacitor is powering to determine the start winding amps.
3. Multiply the start winding amps by 2,652.
4. Divide the total from step 3 by the voltage measured in step 1.

The result is the required capacitance in microfarads.

The formula for calculating the required capacitance is: Start Winding Amps x 2,652 ÷ Capacitor Voltage = Capacitance in Microfarads. Remember to choose a capacitor with a voltage rating that matches or exceeds the voltage of the HVAC system. It is also recommended to consult with a professional if you are unsure about selecting or installing a capacitor for your HVAC system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the different types of capacitor symbols is essential for anyone working with electronic circuits. By using the correct symbol, circuit designers can ensure that their circuit diagrams are clear and easily understood by others. We hope that this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of capacitor symbols and their meanings, allowing you to design and analyze circuits with ease.

Thank you for reading, and we hope that this article has been informative and helpful to you in your endeavors. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is capacitor symbol and unit?

The symbol for a capacitor is two parallel lines representing the plates of the capacitor with a gap between them, and the unit of capacitance is the farad (F), named after Michael Faraday, which represents the amount of electrical charge that can be stored in a capacitor per unit voltage. However, in practice, capacitors are often measured in microfarads (μF) or picofarads (pF) due to the high capacitance values required in many applications.

What is a capacitor used for?

A capacitor is an electronic component that is used for storing electrical charge and releasing it when needed. It is commonly used in electronic circuits for a variety of purposes such as filtering, smoothing, decoupling, and timing. Capacitors are also used in power supplies, audio systems, lighting systems, motors, and many other applications. They are especially useful for blocking DC voltage while allowing AC voltage to pass, which makes them a critical component in many electronic devices.

What is a capacitor symbol?

The symbol for a capacitor is two parallel lines representing the plates of the capacitor with a gap between them. This symbol is often used in electronic circuit diagrams to indicate the presence of a capacitor. Sometimes, the symbol may also have additional markings such as a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to indicate the polarity of the capacitor. In more complex circuit diagrams, the capacitance value and voltage rating may also be indicated alongside the symbol.

What is the unit of a capacitor?

The unit of a capacitor is capacitance, which is measured in farads (F), named after Michael Faraday. One farad represents the amount of electrical charge that can be stored in a capacitor per unit voltage. However, since the farad is a very large unit, capacitors are often measured in smaller units such as microfarads (μF) or picofarads (pF). The capacitance value of a capacitor determines its ability to store electrical charge, and it is an important parameter to consider when selecting a capacitor for a particular application.