Are there any rules on capacitor lead pitch please?

[tonewheelkev]

I'm following a set of instructions to upgrade caps in a preamp.
The electrolytics I have sourced have a 2mm lead pitch, but the space on the board is a larger 10mm pitch.
Is it generally OK to bend leads 'flat' to the PCB...or can the (small) electrolytic 'fly' above the surface using a more gentle bend??


Should the replacement component pitch be closer to the available PCB pitch is what I'm asking I suppose! 🙂

 

[JonSnell Electronic]

I normally, only on small light weight components, bend the leads at right angles and then another right angle to return to the required pitch purely as it looks aesthetically pleasing, no other reason.
Take a look at a reel of small capacitors, they come with legs formewd like that.

 

[tonewheelkev]

I normally, only on small light weight components, bend the leads at right angles and then another right angle to return to the required pitch purely as it looks aesthetically pleasing, no other reason.

Great...so going from 2mm to 10mm isn't a problem then!!!
Thanks😀

 

[JonSnell Electronic]

Should be OK.I just added a couple of photos to my last post to give you the idea.

 

[gentlevoice]

Hi ... Now I don't know what you are upgrading but capacitors with lower lead pitches typically have a lower inductance (and often also capacitance) causing (slightly) altered electrical values for such components which may again affect the circuitry they are to be used in.

However, that said, if the electrical values are fine in the circuitry for which they are intended I would personally just observe that they are mechanically and size-wise fine for the purpose.

Cheers,

Jesper

 

[KatieandDad]

The inductance of extra lead length is only really important in RF frequency circuits and even then it is only marginal. In the majority of circuits bending the leads to suit the PCB should not be a problem.

 

[tonewheelkev]

Thanks folks....will go ahead and order bits now!!

 

[Mark Tillotson]

If the cap is large it will need extra mechanical support if you do this, such as blobs of
silicone rubber (which must be NON-ACID cured type, or it will corrode things). Hot melt glue is also possible if the temperatures don't get too hot.

 

[tonewheelkev]

Thanks Mark.....in this case, it's t'other way round....caps being too small for PCB hole spacing!!

 

[Mark Tillotson]

No, the problem is there is no tension in the leads holding the part against the pcb, but rather the cap will be balanced on top of some bent leads, able to wobble in response to vibration.

 

[sgrossklass]

In that case one might use one short leg and one long leg, the latter carefully bent (somewhat away from the cap to avoid damage) around the part, with the cap kep down laying flat on the board if possible. Much like axial resistors have been mounted vertically.

I take it we're talking axial --> radial?

 

[tonewheelkev]

As it happens...all the parts I'm replacing are Radials.