I know that mostly we use capacitor voltage rating that is higher than our usage.
I know that when used below 50V, the capacitor act as DC blocking, storing energy for smoothing, and allow AC to flow.
If said that the capacitor voltage rating is 50V, if i use 50V exactly, or if higher than 50V, what will happen ? what will be undergoing, does the capacitor damage permanently or just behave another way ?
I know that when used below 50V, the capacitor act as DC blocking, storing energy for smoothing, and allow AC to flow.
If said that the capacitor voltage rating is 50V, if i use 50V exactly, or if higher than 50V, what will happen ? what will be undergoing, does the capacitor damage permanently or just behave another way ?
-
There is nothing magic about 50 volts. Any voltage can be used for "blocking, storing energy for smoothing, and allow AC to flow".
You must always keep the voltage on a cap below the rating to avoid damage.
If you apply 50 volts to a cap rated at 50 volts, nothing will happen.
If you apply more than 50 volts to a cap rated at 50 volts, it will be damaged.
The same applies to any voltage rating.
But one thing to remember, the max rating is only a guide. It's not a sharp cutoff. Caps will handle a small overvoltage but with reduced life. And usage at the rating or slightly below will also give you reduced life. For best lifetime, keep the voltage below about 80% of the voltage.
.
You must always keep the voltage on a cap below the rating to avoid damage.
If you apply 50 volts to a cap rated at 50 volts, nothing will happen.
If you apply more than 50 volts to a cap rated at 50 volts, it will be damaged.
The same applies to any voltage rating.
But one thing to remember, the max rating is only a guide. It's not a sharp cutoff. Caps will handle a small overvoltage but with reduced life. And usage at the rating or slightly below will also give you reduced life. For best lifetime, keep the voltage below about 80% of the voltage.
.
-
Good question:
I have been up in arms over this issue for years. For safe operation, the capacitor should be operated at or below 80% of its voltage rating (the 50V threshold is meaningless).
If a capacitor is operated (slightly) above its maximum DC working voltage rating, it will survive and operate for a while. However, the dielectric within the capacitor will break down quicker, and failure will occur prematurely, usually by the capacitor shorting.
Consumer electronics manufacturers have used this principle for years against you, the user by using underrated, electrolytic capacitors in their products. What happens is that after the warranty runs out or usually around 5 years, the product suddenly ceases functioning. I've discovered the cause to invariably be a 1.5 cent electrolytic capacitor that was stressed and failed.
I have been up in arms over this issue for years. For safe operation, the capacitor should be operated at or below 80% of its voltage rating (the 50V threshold is meaningless).
If a capacitor is operated (slightly) above its maximum DC working voltage rating, it will survive and operate for a while. However, the dielectric within the capacitor will break down quicker, and failure will occur prematurely, usually by the capacitor shorting.
Consumer electronics manufacturers have used this principle for years against you, the user by using underrated, electrolytic capacitors in their products. What happens is that after the warranty runs out or usually around 5 years, the product suddenly ceases functioning. I've discovered the cause to invariably be a 1.5 cent electrolytic capacitor that was stressed and failed.