Why not replace the "death" capacitor with a "Y" Safety capacitor?

[Axtman]

I understand there are two types of safety capacitors. X capacitors go from hot to neutral, across the line while Y capacitors go from line to ground. Why not replace the infamous death cap with a Y safety cap? Thanks.

[g1]

Several manufacturers do just that in current designs. Maybe not on a switch, but from line to ground, which is effectively the same thing.
So I don't see it as any problem using one to replace the 'death cap' as you suggest. I think for most people though, it is too much bother, as just removing it altogether often does not introduce any objectionable noise or hum.

[tedmich]

déjà vu oddness!

Replace Death Cap with Safety Cap?

nearly the same post from 8 yrs ago! Good discussion!

[Axtman]

Maybe it's just me but I get the feeling that I am starting to repeat myself.

[catalin gramada]

what is the smalest value for this cap to be effective ?.

[J M Fahey]

As with most things in Life, let alone Electronics, its value is a compromise.

Too large, it will tickle ; too small it won´t do much, pick your`poison.

Time tested values are around .047uF for 100-120V mains and no cap to .022 for 220-250V ones.

Personally I use .01uF on 220V mains to have a noticeable effect but no magic bullet.

[g1]

Maybe it's just me but I get the feeling that I am starting to repeat myself.

It's not just you.

[Axtman]

I should have started my thread with, "Stop me if you have heard this one before."

I always thought the knees went first.

[tedmich]

I always thought the knees went first.

I seem to have forgotten what goes first...

[J M Fahey]

I seem to have forgotten what goes first...

Well, we have an old Italian rhyme explaining "what goes on first" , often depending on age, sometimes on circumstance, but I guess it´s a little too gross to be posted here