Re: Geek MMC

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: "by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net>" <Parpp807-at-aol-dot-com>

In a message dated 1/5/01 9:14:10 PM Central Standard Time, tesla-at-pupman-dot-com 
writes:

<< Can a cap arc to itself if the lead is brought straight down the
 side? >>

Chris,
IMHO the definite answer to this question is yes, maybe, but it is not 
likely. The old
axial lead electrolytic capacitors had the metal can
as the negative terminal and the capacitor body was wrapped in cardboard. 
Bending 
the positive lead too close to the negative can would sometimes produce an 
arc, especially as dirt or fungus accumulated in the region of the wire and 
the can. Also,
keying a CW transmitter with sloppy voltage regulation could, might, maybe 
produce a spark. I have away thought it good design practice to leave a 
little space. Half an inch
looks nice.  

Cheers,
Ralph Zekelman