capacitor voltage

[Jules Ryckebusch]

Interestingly, Caps are rated for a certain "Surge" voltage of usually 120-130% of
nominal so a 50Volt cap can take a 63v surge. I ALWAYS derate in DIY projects. I
can't tell you haow many commercial circuits run at the limit then fail down the
road. Physically, the higer voltage caps are larger due to greater plate
separation etc. The reality is that that also aids in heat disipation, which is
most important to power supplies and power amps etc where there is significant
ripple. And, there is usually smaller leakage from a higher rated cap (although
probably insiginificant for most apps)

Jules

Troy Sheets wrote:

> It is always good practice to derate your cap voltage by 50%... so, if you
> have 12V, use 25V.
>
> Just good safety practice...
>
> -troy
>
> On Wed, Nov 15, 2000 at 05:47:51PM +0100, Kyn Si wrote:
> > Hi,
> >
> > How do you determine the voltage a capacitor should have? I the power is
> > for instance 12V can I use 16V caps or should I use 25V?
> >
> > thanks,
> >
> > corneel.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > _._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._.
> >
> > "the modern day composer refuses to die" - E. Varese
> >
> >             "real music never will" - K.S.
> >
> >         http://www.boomboomclap.demon.nl/kynsi
> >
> > _._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._.
>
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