Non-polarized capacitors leaks, too!
It is strongly recommended swap the original polarized units for this other type because the original circuit is an alternate current circuit. Common capacitors will last much more than those originally installed.
@rkauer
Just read your comment regarding capacitor polarisation. In this application that statement is simply not true. Bipolar capacitors would only be required if the applied frequency is low enough so that the reactive impedance of the capacitor becomes significantly higher than the impedance of the load you're driving, and the AC amplitude is high enough, therefore causing the capacitor to be momentarily reverse biased to a level high enough to cause damage.
In fact I do recall explaining the same detail in the past, refer to
this thread.
If capacitive coupling of AC signals using polarised capacitors was indeed a problem, then pretty much every piece of analogue electronic equipment on the planet would be affected; they all use the same techniques.
Some rare occasions where you do actually require non-polarised capacitors for audio coupling include:
- 2-wire telephone circuits, as the 50V line polarity could be either way
- Speaker passive crossover networks, where the low frequencies, high voltages and low impedance loads concerned are actually an issue with coupling capacitors
Have a read on basic audio amplifier theories for more detailed explanations.
The electrolytic capacitors in question typically begin leaking due to poor long term stability of the electrolyte. For the same reason, many low quality capacitors of unknown brand are frequently seen leaking in modern electronic designs. For example, it's a common problem on the DC reservoir capacitors in some modern computer boards, often less than a year or two old. The parts are correctly polarised in relation to the DC supply, but they leak due to the unstable electrolyte.
That's why product from renowned manufacturers such as Panasonic and Rubycon are generally more expensive; because they've spent a good deal on research to obtain a stable chemical compound and have years of experience to verify it. Sometimes you do get what you pay for.
So when providing advice *PLEASE* do try to give correct advice and research the facts if you're unsure.
Let me know if you need clarification on anything I've mentioned.
