Caps question

[Marcos - Munky]

In a polyester cap, a value like 56n mean to be 56nF, right? But if the value have a k, like 10k, what this mean to be?

[Ed G.]

Going from memory, those caps use 2 digits and the last digit is some sort of multiplier. I know my 104K caps are .1, 103K caps are .01; and 102 caps are .001. A 251K cap is a 250pf cap.

[Greg Moss]

Going from memory, those caps use 2 digits and the last digit is some sort of multiplier. I know my 104K caps are .1, 103K caps are .01; and 102 caps are .001. A 251K cap is a 250pf cap.

I could be wrong, but I believe for caps that last letter is actually refers to tolorances (like the last band on a resistor).

Here is a link I found:

http://www.electronics2000.co.uk/data/itemsaf/capmarks.htm

It does mention that having the "n" (note lowercase) denotes nanofarads as the unit measure.

Ok. Greg

[Rob Strand]

Greg's right, the K usually means 10% tolerance.  A 104K = 100nF = 0.1uF +/-10%.  Without any more information  would expect 10K to mean 10pF +/-10% - but if the size or package style doesn't imply a small a cap then it's something else.

[Marcos - Munky]

Thanks. A value like 0.0018K is like 0.0018uF?

[Ed G.]

No, a 182K would be a .0018uf with a 10% tolerance.

[Marcos - Munky]

Then what is the value of 0.0018K in uF? And 10uK?

[Rob Strand]

I believe 10uK would be 10uF 10%,

The tolerance code is still used on non Japanese 104K type codes as well.  You will often see this on electrolytics.

[Arn C.]

10k  =  10 pf
56k  =  56pf
.0018 =  .0018uf

some pf caps just have the number   ie:  10  = 10pf

Arn C.

[Marcos - Munky]

Thanks.