I removed some old devices (more than 50 years old) for use in projects. I know that electrolytes will spoil over time and should not be used. In these machines I found old paper and oil capacitors that look good. Can I use them in my projects?

Before using these capacitors you should test them to see if there are no leaks or if they are depleted. Paper and oil capacitors tend to absorb moisture, or in the case of oil types, they lose the electrolyte by changing their characteristics. In general, the paper capacitors, after a certain time, have great leaks and therefore should not be used in new projects, when reused of old appliances.

 

Old paper and oil capacitors.
Old paper and oil capacitors.

 

 

Datasheets


N° of component