Why electrolytic capacitors explode

Ripple current is common in power regulator circuits that frequently employ electrolytic caps. For complex electrochemical reasons, the higher the ripple current, the greater and faster the cap degrades. Sensitivity to ripple current is a function of the cap construction and materials. Vendors specify operating life with different ripple-current values.

Additionally, there are electrolytic caps designed specifically to handle high-ripple current. Unfortunately, supply chain issues can also impact cap performance. Substandard or outright counterfeit parts are increasingly common in procurement channels.

It is relatively easy to make an adequate capacitor that will function acceptably in the short term. However, operating life can easily be substandard. For example, the capacitance of even high-quality electrolytic capacitors can drift from the nominal value over time. Tantalum electrolytic capacitors can have tighter tolerances, but typically have lower operating voltages.

And all bets are off with regard to the tolerance over time of substandard or counterfeit caps. It also pays to know the conditions under which cap spec sheet ratings apply.

Note, too, the spec for loss tangent. The difference is caused by the dielectric losses within the capacitor. This value will drop at higher temperatures and rise at lower temperatures. Additionally, both capacitance and tangent of the loss angle differ with frequency. Capacitance is lower at high frequencies, and tangent of the loss angle is higher at high frequencies. The impedance will be higher at lower frequencies. Storage conditions can also affect electrolytic cap performance.

The leakage current in an aluminum electrolytic capacitor will rise if the capacitor is stored for extended periods. As with other capacitor parameters, the effect is more pronounced at higher storage temperatures. However, applying a voltage can reduce the leakage current.

Tantalum electrolytic capacitor mainly consists of sintering solid, foil winding solid, sintering liquid, and so on. The aluminum electrolytic capacitor can be divided into four types: the lead type aluminum electrolytic capacitor; the horn type aluminum electrolytic capacitor; the bolted aluminum electrolytic capacitor; solid aluminum electrolytic capacitor. The possible reasons for the capacitor explosion are as follows:. His educational background gives him a broad base from which to approach many topics.

His main purpose in writing these articles is to provide a free, yet quality resource for readers. He welcomes feedback on typos, errors, or differences in opinion that readers come across. Otherwise, we may not be able to process your inquiry. Why Do Electrolytic Capacitors Explode? The possible reasons for the capacitor explosion are as follows: The breakdown of the internal components of the capacitor is mainly due to the poor manufacturing process.

The damage to the shell insulation by the capacitor. Reply 5 years ago. Hmm you should add more safety features to it. It lacks a few important details. I wonder out of curiosity what would happen if you added 12, volts 30 ma to one of those big capacitors?? Great work in the explaniation. Introduction: How to Explode a Capacitor. More by the author:. Unexpectedly the electrolytic capacitors explodes with huge sound and sometime it smoke.

Get started , how to explode a capacitor.. Set the voltage source to 0V 1. Now slowly raise the voltage output of the source. Be careful while dealing with polarized capacitors.

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