life span/failure rate of filter capacitors?


(And I assume that the filter caps are the large electrolytic caps with the screw in terminals?)

The reason I am inquiring about this subject is that I stumbled on to an older thread started by someone who had a "filter cap explode" inside his 20 year old Cary V-12 monoblock.  (Which is basically what I have, only mine is a single stereo amp.)

Anyway, I do know the specs on those large caps with the screw in terminals which I am thinking are aka filter caps are 560uf 400v. 

Do these normally give any kind of warning before they let go?  It does occasionally blow the 3A SB AC power fuse on start up. 

TIA for any information/advice on this subject.

immatthewj

Showing 1 response by terry9

Not all electrolytic caps are created equal. Some have high temperature ratings (good), higher mtf (good), higher ripple current (good), higher esr (bad). Thing is, each one of these parameters can be important, so try to find out everything you can about the caps you have, and specify a cap that is at least as good in every respect.

I buy all my electroytics from Digikey (no affiliation). Great company, tremendous inventory, next day delivery. And no surprises.