A variety of schemes may be used. Generally speaking, you only need to observe polarity markings with electrolytic and tantalum capacitors, both of which are clearly marked on the component body.
The symbol for ceramic capacitor is just two plain lines as shown above since they do not have any polarity. Or maybe ceramic where the tolerance is poor but may work at a high capacitance - not Farads though! A ceramic disc capacitor does not have a polarity and connects in any direction on the printed circuit board. Terry Sturtevant Electronics Indentifying Capacitor Polarity. Through-hole and SMD 0.1µF ceramic capacitors. Sometimes figures such as 10n will be seen and this indicates a 10nF capacitor. Following is the symbol for ceramic capacitor: Ceramic Capacitor Types. Conception. Some capacitors use a colored bar or a ring-shaped depression to show polarity. If you are new to capacitor codes, then the best way to start is with a chart, because that way, you can see the arrangement of the code. Capacitor Type - Ceramic To figure out capacitor polarity the stripe on an electrolytic capacitor tells you the negative end. Your "104" capacitors are quite likely to be ceramic disc capacitors, or some other form of capacitor (Polystyrene, Polypropylene, Mylar, etc) which won't be affected by polarity. Ceramic Capacitor Features. We are the global leader in MnO 2 solid tantalum technologies such as smallest case size MnO 2 , highest temperature capabilities up to 230°C and lowest DCL product offering. Although the ceramic and the Electrolytic are the most commonly used capacitors, the Mylar capacitor has its own applications because of the following unique properties. It is also known as dielectric material (a dielectric material does not allow current to flow freely through it). Other types, (such as many “electrolytics”), must be placed in a particular direction (indicated by a “+” sign at one end.)
For this reason, they are generally much safer than electrolytic capacitors. Engineers usually do not require calculators because the code is so simple. A Concise Guide to Ceramic Capacitor Types March 30, 2018 by Robert Keim This technical brief attempts to dispel some of the fog that surrounds the three-character cryptograms used to describe ceramic caps. The large, 20,000 µF electrolytic unit shown in the upright position has its positive (+) terminal labeled with a “plus” mark. Non-polarity device means the capacitor has no polarities. No, it does not matter which way you place ceramic capacitors. Make sure to connect the capacitor's + end to the positive side of the circuit, or the capacitor could eventually cause a short or even explode. Ceramic capacitor markings: Ceramic capacitors are generally smaller than types like electrolytic capacitors and therefore the markings need to be more concise. . Ceramic capacitors -- the small (1µF and less), commonly yellow guys -- are not polarized. You can stick those in either way. These are NOT polarized.