hey guys. How do you connect a cap to the audio system? - terminal first? then +? Last time i tried i got zapped. Should i fully discharge the cap first? If so, how?

hey guys. How do you connect a cap to the audio system? - terminal first? then +? Last time i tried i got zapped. Should i fully discharge the cap first? If so, how?
You will need to charge the capacitor at a slow rate first otherwise it will try and draw maximum current (**** loads) when u first connect it. A 100 Ohm 2Watt resistor in series with the +ve terminal will do, it'll get pretty hot though so be careful. Use a multimeter to check the voltage on the cap as it's charging, when it has reached the same voltage as the battery you can connect it up without the resistor. Be bloody careful, especialy with the polarity.

Did a search for a pic so i didn't have to draw it :) they use a 1000 Ohm resistor so that u only have to use a standard 1/4 watt resistor, just takes longer.

Could you just trickle it off a battery charger also?

Cummins, Tim?

Why i dislike caps, they are pretty dangerous. All cap manufacturers recommend diff resistors to charge them, most come with the necessary equipment to charge them up.

DONT connect it straight to the battery.

Do u have access to any resistors like Cummins mentioned?

Would be the safest way.

Like Tim said above, caps must be connected and charged correctly to avoid damaging them, yourself or the car. Most decent capacitors (I strongly recommend against using cheap ones) come with the resistor and clear instructions. :)

Here Now Install It

hey guys. How do you connect a cap to the audio system? - terminal first? then +? Last time i tried i got zapped. Should i fully discharge the cap first? If so, how?


What is the reason for you wanting a Cap ??
There maybe a better solution..

would two batterys wired in series make a stop gap measure for a capicitor?

In most cases a Simple Higher CCA battery can make up for a Cap..Dual Battery setups are another "Safer " Alternative when done correctly..