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Electrolytic capacitor manufacturers say that if you energize them before 2 years of storage (5-35C minus 75% RH) there is no need to refurbish the capacitor. Is this only valid for new aluminum electrolytic capacitors with little or also for old capacitors from the 90s and mounted on an electronic circuit that operates at 220V? In electronic devices and connected to 220V, how many minutes are necessary to restore the entire dielectric oxide layer (it degrades in storage)? |
by cloudff7
April 04, 2025 |
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This mainly applies to newer aluminum electrolytic capacitors. For old ones from the '90s, restoring the dielectric layer typically takes a few to several minutes, depending on aging. |
+1 vote by WonderNomad April 07, 2025 |
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For old electrolytics, either replace or reform off-board: use a DC bench supply, raise voltage slowly up to rated, current-limit to a few mA, and hold until leakage drops and stabilizes (often 10–60 min, sometimes longer). In 220 V gear, bring up mains with a variac or series bulb and monitor input current/temperature. If ESR/leakage stay high or there’s any bulge/leak, replace rather than reform. |
by Wilfrlmore
August 20, 2025 |
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bypass and coupling capacitors can need as much as 24 hours to restoring dieletric layer? |
+1 vote by cloudff7 April 07, 2025 |
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/??? doubt |
by cloudff7
April 25, 2025 |
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I saw 24h on some sites, and throw them away (recycling the material if recycling is available) if not satisfactory after that period of time. |
by vanderghast
August 13, 2025 |
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+1 vote by wellos January 08, 2026 |
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+1 vote by gukabizax January 08, 2026 |
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It does not reliably apply to electrolytics from the 1990s, especially ones that have already been installed in equipment and then left unpowered for long periods. slope |
+1 vote by alanwill January 12, 2026 |
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