I am repairing an old Eico 324 Signal generator. I'm not sure if this was built as a kit or has had other repair work done in the past but looks original. I am replacing the paper caps and there are 3 .01 uF caps. The schematic/parts list makes no distinction between them (all same part number) but I am growing confused when reading about safety caps, which I am not very familiar with. Anyway, long story short, all 3 of these capacitors currently in the circuit are different. The 2 caps connected to the mains look similar but one says 10k on it, and I'm confused whether that means something or not. please see attached pics for an idea. Thanks
10k is 10,000pF which is 10nF which is 0.01uF.
Do note that is also called the "death capacitor". C1, C2 need to be Y-capacitors with appropriate safety ratings because their failure makes a shock hazard. You can see discussion of them as they were commonly used in tube guitar amplifiers. They are on the big side at 10nF, I'd have to calc. the leakage current if it's enough to bite.
I would consider changing over to a 3-wire grounded line cord and adding a primary-side fuse.
thank you, I feel like an idiot now haha
Do note that is also called the "death capacitor". C1, C2 need to be Y-capacitors with appropriate safety ratings because their failure makes a shock hazard. You can see discussion of them as they were commonly used in tube guitar amplifiers. They are on the big side at 10nF, I'd have to calc. the leakage current if it's enough to bite.
I would consider changing over to a 3-wire grounded line cord and adding a primary-side fuse.
Thank you, definitely replacing them with Y caps!
I am with Flooby.
If you plan on using the unit a lot, consider just putting in an EMI filter. They contain the Y caps and an X cap and then you have a modern 3 pronged plug, you probably need a new cord anyway.
Lots more EMI today then when these things were made.