[ARC5] Bathtub Capacitors

[Richard Knoppow]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "J. Forster" <jfor at quikus.com>
To: <ARC5 at mailman.qth.net>; <Milsurplus at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 10:39 AM
Subject: [ARC5] Bathtub Capacitors


> Hi,
>
> Does anybody know:
>
> What are the cans of WW II bathtub capacitors made of? 
> Brass or Steel?
>
> What is the plating? Tin? Zinc? ??
>
> What kind of oil was used to fill them? Mineral? Something 
> chlorinated?
>
> Is there an increased failure rate on caps with one side 
> electrically tied
> to the case v. those with both terminals of the cap 
> floating?
>
> Thanks,
>
> -John

    Don't know about the plating. The ones I took apart were 
filled with potting compound of some sort, almost black 
wax-like substance that melts out easily. The caps 
themselves were conventional wax filled paper ones. I don't 
have one handy or I would check it with a magnet to see what 
its made of.
    The larger high voltage cans are filled with oil, I've 
had a couple develop leaks. I think the nature of the oil 
depends on the maker, some used mineral oil, some used a 
chlorinated oil.


--
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles
WB6KBL
dickburk at ix.netcom.com