The Series And Parallel Capacitors

Formula To Calculate The Right

Capacitances
The series and parallel combination of capacitors is important in the electronic repair line.
Not every capacitor value you can find from the electronic suppliers thus you have to use
the series and parallel capacitor formula to calculate your desire capacitor value and
voltage rating for replacement. It is quite simple to find a replacemnt with the formula given
below

Capacitor In Series

If two or more capacitors are connected in series as shown above, the total capacitance is
less than that of the smallest capacitor in the group.The value of the total capacitance C
can be calculated by the formula below. The results is exactly the same as the resistances
in parallel. If the capacitors of 1 microfarad each are connected in series, the net
capacitance value offered by the combination of the two capacitors is: -

So the net value is just half of an individual capacitor. Capacitors are used in series to
provide a higher voltage breakdown rating for the combination. In many circuits,high value
resistors are connected in parallel with all capacitors to ensure that the voltage is
distributed equally. These resistors should have enough wattage rating to dissipate heat
generated by the flow of current through them.
When electrolytic capacitors are to be connected in series, connect the positive side of the
capacitor to negative exactly as when you are connecting batteries in series. (Fig. 1)
In series capacitors, the working voltage of each capacitor is sum up. This series
connection decreased the capacitance but an increase in working voltage.

The total value of this combination is: -

but the working voltage becomes 700 volt.

Capacitors in Parallel
When a number of capacitors are connected in parallel as shown below, the total or
effective capacitance of the group is equal to the sum of the individual capacitancesThe
equation for calculating the total capacitance C obtained by capacitances C1, C2 C3
etc.The formula for parallel capacitor is same as the resistance in series.

If 5, 10 and 15 microfarad capacitors are connected in parallel as shown below, the

combination would provide a total value capacitance of 30 microfarad. This type of
connection is used to get higher capacitances. The voltage rating of each capacitor should
be sufficient to withstand the voltage that will be applied to them in practical circuits.
When electrolytic capacitors are connected in parallel, make sure the capacitor polarity
connect from positive to positive and negative to negative otherwise the capacitor may not
work or blow.

The working voltage of parallel capacitors is equal to the lowest working voltage rating in
the combination. For example, the total value capacitance of the combination is:-
CT = C1 + C2 + C3

CT = 1µF + 2µF + 1µF = 4µF

 and working voltage = 100 volt
Series and parallel capacitors formula is a good way to find a capacitance value for
replacement. Use a digital capacitance meter and test all the results you have connected
the capacitors either in series or in parallel.

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