[Boatanchors] Electrolytics- How Much is Too Much

[Nick England]

Modern spec sheets for various aluminum electrolytics say
military grade
I ≤ 0.002 C*V
standard grade
I ≤ 0.005 C*V
industrial grade
I ≤ 0.03C*V + 20 μA
general purpose
I ≤ 6*sqrt(C*V), 6mA max

I= leakage current in microamps
C=capacitance in microfarads
V=voltage
source - www.cde.com/catalog/alum/#axial_leaded

For 40uf at 450v that is
36uA for military grade
804uA for general purpose
So say 1 mA as a rule of thumb for boatanchor grade?

cheers,
Nick K4NYW

----- Original Message -----
> Dave asks:
>
>  High Voltage electrolytics- how much current leakage
>> at rated voltage is "too much?"
>>
>>