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Electrolytic Capacitor Question: Can I replace a 25V 10µF with a 35V 10µF?

Hydra

Jan 1, 2015
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Jumping into electronics as a new hobby. So the very first project I'm working on is a simple multivibrator circuit. I finished the project but have encountered a problem where the sound output through the speaker is steady and LEDs do not blink. I believe I tracked down the problem to a broken capacitor. On the PCB one capacitor gave me a voltage reading but the other gave me nothing. I verified I didn't solder the cap as a bridge. I also soldered it again to make sure it wasn't open. I went to RadioShack and bought a 35V 10µF. Is it okay to replace a 10µF Electrolytic 25V with a 10µF 35V?
 

Gryd3

Jun 25, 2014
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Jumping into electronics as a new hobby. So the very first project I'm working on is a simple multivibrator circuit. I finished the project but have encountered a problem where the sound output through the speaker is steady and LEDs do not blink. I believe I tracked down the problem to a broken capacitor. On the PCB one capacitor gave me a voltage reading but the other gave me nothing. I verified I didn't solder the cap as a bridge. I also soldered it again to make sure it wasn't open. I went to RadioShack and bought a 35V 10µF. Is it okay to replace a 10µF Electrolytic 25V with a 10µF 35V?
Yes.
You can over-rate the capacitor's voltage and it will cause no harm. The other specs must match to be a viable substitute though.
The voltage rating is simply the highest operating voltage it can tolerate.
 

davenn

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Sep 5, 2009
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and following on from Gryd3's good advice

depending on where the cap is being used increasing the cap value wont hurt either
particularly for a smoothing cap in a power supply.
There might b e a 1000uF 25V in the unit that has failed. putting a 2200uF 25V or 35V one in as a replacement
wont hurt. you just have to keep in mind physical size is likely to be larger for a
1) higher voltage
2) higher capacitance
3) mixture of both

so as long as there is room on the circuit board ... there's no problem

Dave
 

Hydra

Jan 1, 2015
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Cool. Very cool davenn. It's seems like such an obviously answer, but then again I didn't know. Your reply definitely helps clarify. :)
 
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