Category: electrolytic capacitors

The Electrolytic Capacitor Plague

So, what caused it? Maybe a variety of factors? Perhaps different factors explain different circuit failures? The video, for example, focuses on CPUs that drew a lot of current and got real hot. OK, but we also see failing electrolytics in small, very low current Sony receivers.


Hack-A-Day has a good post about this:


The Hack-A-Day comments are also (mostly) good. I agree with the fellow who said he never heard anyone call electrolytic capacitors “E capacitors.” Me neither.

Boom! Small Electrolytics Blow-up in a Big Way. MAGIC SMOKE RELEASED!

It doesn’t take much. Like if you put 12 volts across a little electrolytic rated at 10 volts, WATCH OUT! The tranquility of your workshop could soon be very suddenly disturbed. Even with the proper polarity, they will BLOW-UP. The MAGIC SMOKE will be EXPLOSIVELY RELEASED. BOOM!

And speaking of capacitors, Rogier PA1ZZ sends this:
But don’t blow these ones up. Some of them are 75 dollars a pop!