[ARC5] Aging Electrolytics

[Richard Knoppow]

On 1/31/2015 5:08 AM, Brian wrote:
> Hello Wayne,
>
> Electrolytic capacitors last longest when operated close to their 
> rated working Voltage. When operated a much lower than their rated 
> working Voltage, you run the risk of the coating on the electrodes 
> becoming depolarised and losing capacity.
>
> Tantalum capacitors last longest when operated at much lower than 
> their rated working Voltage.
>
> 73 de Brian, VK2GCE.
>
> On Sunday, February 01, 2015 12:01 AM , you asked:
>
> <snip>
> I was just wondering if the higher voltage rating translated into longer
> life at lower voltages.
>
> Wayne
        This is also true of paper capacitors. Life is extended if 
operated at lower than rated voltage.  I must find a citation for this 
but I've seen it in more than one old engineering book.

-- 
Richard Knoppow
1oldlens1 at ix.netcom.com
WB6KBL