Original poster: Bert Hickman <bert.hickman@xxxxxxxxxx> Tesla list wrote:
Original poster: Ed Phillips <evp@xxxxxxxxxxx>These blue "glassmike" caps will not work for RF Tesla coil duty --- they are DC filter capacitors and will fail in short order at RF frequencies. You need extended foil pulse duty rated capacitors designed for RF (high freq alternating currents) work.Dr. Resonance" Neither will the red ones! Ed
Interestingly, light blue color glass-encased capacitors from Plastic Capacitors actually use a polypropylene dielectric system. While they may work for light duty RF applications, they are not recommended for Tesla Coil service. And, "firecracker red" glass-encased caps use a Mylar dielectric system that everyone knows will rapidly overheat.
However, the real problem is that the glass package with soldered ends is VERY unforgiving when subjected to rising internal pressure due to internal heating or a dielectric failure. The cylindrical glass package, of either polypropylene or Mylar caps, can explode with virtually no warning, showering everything (and anyone) in the vicinity with glass fragments, oil, and capacitor innards.
"Glass-Mikes" caps and Tesla Coils don't mix. Bert --