How to Use Capacitors to Produce a Large Discharge

The polarity of an electrolytic capacitor is typically indicated witih a minus (-) sign near one of its leads.

Capacitors are designed to discharge stored energy within milliseconds through a closed circuit. A single capacitor rated at 500 volts will release a large charge. However, if a 500-volt capacitor is not available (or if an even greater discharge is desired), a number of capacitors can be combined to produce a significantly large discharge. Combining capacitors in a way that makes their individual voltage values additive requires a parallel circuit connection between the capacitors. A parallel circuit with capacitors is one where the positive leads are connected to each other and the negative leads are connected to each other.

Things You'll Need

• Assortment of electrolytic capacitors
• 15-watt soldering iron
• Resin core solder
• 20-gauge hookup wire

Instructions

1. Discharge all capacitors before soldering by touching the free ends of an insulated piece of hookup wire to both leads of a capacitor at the same time.

2. Determine the polarity of the capacitors before soldering. In a parallel circuit the positive and negative ends must not touch or a short circuit will result.

3. Solder 4-inch lengths of hookup wire between the positive leads in a chain of capacitors whose additive value equals the final voltage value desired. Solder 4-inch lengths of hookup wire between the negative leads of the chain of capacitors.

4. Solder a final positive and negative lead using two 4-inch lengths of hookup wire soldered to the positive and negative leads respectively of the last capacitor in the chain. You should now have a chain of parallel connected capacitors with two end leads to connect to a charging source. The capacitor chain is ready to charge for use.

Tips & Warnings

• For best performance use capacitors of the same type and values. Mismatched capacitors can lead to a lower discharge value than calculated.

• Handle capacitors with care. A painful shock will result if you touch both leads of a charged capacitor or chain of capacitors simultaneously with your hands.

References

• The Electronics Club: Capacitance and Uses of Capacitors; John Hewes; 2011
• "Teach Yourself Electricity and Electronics"; Stan Gibilisco; 1997