0.047 uF vs. 47 nF

[iaresee]

Okay, what am I missing here. I went into Active Tech today to pick up the 0.047 uF caps I need to finish off my Phase 90 conversion. They had two bags. One was 0.047 uF, 100V -- 6 caps for $0.99. The other bag was labeled 47 nF, 100 V -- 10 caps for $2.99. I bought them both. I asked the guy at the counter, "What exactly is the difference?" And he (literally) looked at me and said, "One is 0.047 micro-Farads the other is 47 nano-Farads." (emphasis entirely his) My only thought was maybe the bag labeled 47 nF is a more accurate cap? Hence the more expensive price per part?

I'm so confused. 

[sengo]

Are they different manufacturers? When I order components I've noticed different brands usually cost different amounts.\\
Nick

[kurtlives]

That is is very weird...

My guess would be tolerance or voltage rating.

[rikkards]

I have gone through the same thing with Active Tech. What he is seeing is a little vacuum-sealed baggie with a sticker on it with a description and their (Active-Tech's) label. Majority of the stuff they carry is NTE but in this case, I think they are different manufacturers and different ratings or materials (i.e tantalum)  but I have seen where they are identical parts with different descriptions which I think was due to different manufacturers.

The problem with Active-Tech is their selection of components are geared towards more generic electronics (i.e very little regarding Germanium IOW no Ge transistors) and they will carry a couple of variants of parts like NPN si are pretty much 2n3904 and 2n2222 and that is it. They don't even carry Log (aka Audio) pots in the store. It has got to the point where I order everything from Small Bear and go to Active-Tech in a pinch. You can order stuff in though.
Still with the amount of electronic supplies stores dwindling (especially in Ottawa), at least they are still around.

Are they different manufacturers? When I order components I've noticed different brands usually cost different amounts.\\
Nick

[Faber]

Well, value-wise, they're the same caps, so I don't know... that's wierd...

[iaresee]

Well, value-wise, they're the same caps, so I don't know... that's wierd...

After rather embarrassingly mistaking 47 pF caps for 0.047 uF caps when doing this mod I was very certain they were the same value this time around.

I think the different manufacturers hypothesis makes sense. They are slightly different in their physical form.

That was my first foray into Active Tech. I was pretty disappointed in what they had. I was actually out to get the caps and three PCB-mount 100k pots (2 liner, one audio taper) and they had nada in that department. It's a big store (area wise) as well. The tranny section was completely decimated. Their 1/4" connectors were not gig sturdy construction. The only thing they really seemed to have going for them is a very nice selection of irons (and a good sale on...I might go back and get that Hakko iron, return the Weller I've had on long term "loan" from the office ).