Weller TCP Soldering Iron Capacitor

[bobhowe]

Hi does anyone know the value and voltage of the Rifa capacitor that goes across the contact of the Magnastat Thermostatic Switch as mine has exploded and there is nothing left to read from kind regards Bob

[ppppenguin]

Is this a mains voltage or low voltage iron? I didn't think the low voltage ones had a capacitor.

[bobhowe]

Hi Jeffery thanks for reply it is a 24V AC and the purpose of the capacitor is to stop the arcing of the Magnastat switch contacts the soldering iron gets up to full temperature and switches off very clever use of a Magnet and different tips to determine the temperature as well kind regards Bob

[ppppenguin]

I've used the 24V Magnastats for many years, I just don't recall seeing a capacitor.

[bobhowe]

Hi Jeffrey if you go on the RS Components website the part number for the Magnastat switch is 662-074 and it has the picture with the capacitor across the contacts kind regards Bob

[Mike Watterson]

Looks like 10nF 630V

Stick on a 10nF 1KV ceramic?
   

I viewed page properties, then media and saved the best image (though png ending missing), cropped, resize x3 and rotated. Used The Gimp. Exported as .jpg 95 quiality.

[FIXITNOW]

Yes found 2 new Magnastat switches round the local car boot last year a pound the pair ,but did open them and both Rifa caps had started to crack so used a couple off 10NF orange drops to replace them , then did the iron i use as inspection showed it was also past its best

[Murphyv310]

Hi.
A common fault on Weller magnastat soldering irons, very much the standard iron for the TV trade. The 10n is a bit on the small side to help with contact burning so we always fitted a 0.1uf 400v cap, improves magnastat reliability and arcing, never had any further issues after this mod.
NOTE only for 24v irons.

[bobhowe]

Hi every one thanks for replies done as what Trevor had suggested and soldering iron works fine and I can hear the switch clicking when the temperature is reached kind regards Bob

[PerdioPal]

For best results put a few ohms (5 to 10) in series with the cap, keeps the spark suppression and stops very high currents when closing.