PIO caps

[Gus]

What's the oil in older paper in oil caps(PIO)?

[davent]

I've read but can't recall where, the oil in the old caps can contain PCB's, not good. (Would this apply to PIO's?)

Found this,"You should be able to clean up your gear. If it was manufactured after May of 1977 it is not PCB oil. That was the mandatory ban on PCB filled capacitors and components containing PCB's were also banned for use in any new applications.

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/archive/index.php/t-488286.html

Who knows what may be in the NOS Russian caps you see being hawked.
dave

[tommycataus]

Wow... I never knew that.

Interesting link Dave. Not sure how much of this stuff is legit, but certainly interesting:

http://www.greenfacts.org/en/pcbs/l-2/6-effects-human.htm

[PRR]

PCBs had advantage in POWER applications, power-company stuff. I doubt (but can't be sure) PCBs were used in audio-gear caps.

If you are pulling caps off of motors, better not drink from them. If leaking, wash your hands, bag it good, wash again and again, and take it to Toxic Waste.

I'm thinking that most radio/audio caps used Castor Oil. A large dose makes you sick, but casual handling is safe.

I've seen far more wax-impregnated caps than true oil caps.

[LightSoundGeometry]

Pictured here is one of my very first wiring harnesses I did probably about 5-6 years ago when I first started learning about the electric guitar..the leads are not cut; that is to keep them nice and long for future purposes.