[sdiy] [OT] electrolytics specs

[J. Larry Hendry]

About 2 years ago, I vented a 10,000 volt 120 pound oil-filled capacitor
that was part of a parallel - series string of capacitors applied to a
69,000 VAC three phase substation bus (double ungrounded wye in case anyone
cares).  I killed it on the switch opening (restrike).  HV AC capacitors do
not like to have voltage re-applied at a different phase angle before they
have had time to dissipate their tank charge.  Like our little friends, this
one peeled open the cap can and ejected all its contents (including the oil
that was now on fire).  Fortunately, the percussion of the explosion blew
the fire out. 8 others (in this bank of 60) simply "bulged" their tanks.
Larry (smoke letter) Hendry

harrybissell <harrybissell at prodigy.net> writes:
> > 8) safety vented
> Well SH!T they all ahve a safety vent... and when it opens you are hosed.
Really small ones just explode... Big ones with high voltage or very high
energy storage will sometimes NOT go through the vent anyway... they will
blow right through > the can.  E-mail me tomorrow (offlist) and I'll send
you some HORROR photos for Halloween ;^)