Electrolytic Capacitor

When you use aluminum electrolytic capacitors, remember the following:

 1.Polarity

Regular electrolytic capacitor has polarity. Reverse voltage causes short circuit breakage of the capacitor or leakage of electrolyte. When the polarity in a circuit sometimes reversed or unknown, a bi-polar capacitor should be used.

 2.Over voltage

Do not apply over voltage continuously. When over voltage is applied to the capacitor, leakage current increase drastically. Applied working voltage to capacitor should not exceed the rated working voltage of capacitor.

 3.Operating temperature and life

Do not use the capacitor over the max operating temperature. Life time of the capacitor depends on the temperature. Generally, life time is doubled by decreasing each temperature 10℃. Use temperature as low as possible.

 4.Vent

It is recommended at lest 3mm of space around the vent. If such space is not provided, the vent will not operate completely.

 5.Ripple current

Do not apply a ripple current exceeding the rated maximum ripple current. Applying too much ripple current to the capacitor causes great heat generation, invites deterioration of properties of canses breakage. Please consult factory if ripple current exceeds the specified limit.

 6.Charge and discharge

Frequent and quick charge/discharge increase of leakage current, decrease of capacitance, or breakage occasionally. Consult us for assistance in this application.

 7.Storage

When the capacitor is stored for a long time without applying voltage, leakage current tends to increase. This returns to normal by applying the rated voltage to the capacitor before use. It is recommended to apply D.C.working voltage to the capacitor for 30 minutes through 1KΩ of protective series resistor, if it is stored for more than 6 months. The capacitor should be stored at a normal temperature and humidity.

 8.Soldering

Improper soldering may shrink or break the insulting sleeve and /or damage the internal element as terminals and lead wire conduct heat into the capacitor. Avoid too high soldering temperature and/or too long a soldering time.

 9.Mechanical stress on the lead wire and the terminal

Do not apply excessive force to the lead wire and the terminal. Do not move the capacitor after soldering to the PC board, not carry the PC board by picking up the capacitor. For their strength, refer to JIS C-5141 and C-5102.

 10.Cleaning of boards after soldering

If the capacitor is cleaned in halogenated solvent for organic removing solder flux solvent, the solvent may penetrate into the inside of capacitor, and may generate corrosion.

 11.Sleeve material

The standard sleeve material is polyvinyl-chloride. If exposed to xylene, toluene, etc, and then subjected to high heat, the sleeve may crack. This sleeve is not insulating material.