How to: Capacitor Install and Charging

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How to: Capacitor Install and Charging

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Charging an Energy Storage Capacitor
Many capacitor manufacturer's supply a resistor (20 Ohm to 50 Ohm, 1-watt resistor) or a charging card, both of which are used to initially charge the capacitor.

Charge Card Method
Install the Charge Card on the capacitor. Connect the RED wire to +12 volts and the BLK wire to chassis ground. The capacitor is charged when green LED goes out and should take a matter of seconds to complete.

Resistor Method
The charging process is accomplished by connecting the resistor in series (in-line) between the positive terminal (+) of the battery and the positive terminal (+) of the capacitor. DO NOT hold the resistor with your fingers! It gets very hot during charging, so it's best to hold it with a pair of long-nosed pliers. Charging is complete when the voltage at the capacitor reaches that of the vehicle's battery. This process will take only a matter of seconds to complete.

It is very important that polarity be observed and maintained during the charging process to eliminate damaging the capacitor, the battery, or other associated equipment. When the charging process is complete, the Resistor or Charge Card should be disconnected and stored for later use. Never connect a capacitor to the vehicle electrical system with the Resistor or Charge Card installed. A voltmeter should be used to verify that the capacitor is fully charged (around 12.6 Volts with vehicle ignition off.)

Charging Verification
To ensure the cap is charged, connect a 12V automotive test lamp across the negative (-) and positive (+) cap terminals. The test lamp should fully illuminate. A better alternative is to use a voltmeter (set to DC volts) where a reading of around +12.6 Volts (the same potential as your battery when the vehicle ignition is off) should be displayed


Discharging an Energy Storage Capacitor
If the capacitor is to be removed from the audio system, you?ll want to discharge it to alleviate accidental discharging (and prevent pretty little sparks from flying) potentially ruining your capacitor terminal screws.

Charge Card Method
Remove both the positive (+) and negative (-) power source cables from the capacitor. Install the Charge Card on the capacitor. Connect the RED wire and BLK wires together. Capacitor is discharged when RED LED goes out.

Resistor Method
Remove both the positive (+) and negative (-) power source cables from the capacitor. Connect the resistor between the positive terminal (+) and the negative terminal (-) of the capacitor. DO NOT hold the resistor with your fingers! It gets very hot during discharging, so it's best to hold it with a pair of long-nosed pliers. The capacitor should discharge in approximately 15 seconds.

Discharging Verification
To ensure the cap is discharged, connect a 12V automotive test lamp across the negative (-) and positive (+) cap terminals. The test lamp should NOT illuminate. A better alternative is to use a voltmeter (set to DC volts) where a reading of around 0 Volts should be display

For diagrams visit

Install: http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/scripts/ ... =952039877

Charging: http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/scripts/ ... 1049433410

Discharging: http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/scripts/ ... 1049433410
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