answersLogoWhite

0

Capacitors can fail for a few reasons, and sometimes the do "blow".

Capacitors have voltage limitations which, if they are exceeded may cause internal arcing or flashover. Once initiated, arcing can cause sudden heating and if the circuit supports high enough energy the capacitor can be damaged and may actually come apart. For polarized capacitors, reversing the polarity may even result in catastrophic failure at normal voltage levels.

Another reason capacitors fail is as a result of high current. If a capacitor is subjected to high frequency currents of sufficient magnitude internal heating can result and once again damage will result. With enough energy it may come apart.

One last way capacitors may be damaged is through sudden discharge. Generally high voltage ceramic capacitors may be charged to high energy levels. With a sudden discharge ceramic capacitors can respond with a piezoelectric effect and the ceramic may actually shatter.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Can a start capacitor blow out an air conditioner compressor?

Not likely


What causes wind to blow in gusts?

The pressure of the sun causes the wind to blow.


What happen If the Centrifugal switch of a two value capacitor motor using two capacitors fails to open?

I think you over-laod and blow the capacitor


If your capacitor keeps blowing what is wrong?

Is it the correct one for the motor being used? How often does it blow?


Regarding Capacitors- can any general capacitor work on a circuit diagram that shows a polarized capacitor or do you need a special capacitor for polarization?

A Polarized capacitor means that the capacitor is polarity sensitive. if you were to connect the capacitor incorrectly the capacitor would blow up. A capacitor that is marked as being polarity sensitive will have the negative lead labeled usually with a white strip. These capacitors can only be used in conjunction with a dc source. Always consult a professional when installing electrical equipment.


What do non Electrolytic capacitor do?

first lets explain what an electrolytic capacitor is to identify an electrolytic capacitor look for positive and negative indicators (non aren't polarized). the reason that its polarized is because the anode is normal but the cathode is a normal one with electrolyte soaked paper this allows more electrons to be stored thus more energy. a non can only hold what the metal can take. but if you reverse the flow it heats and the steam causes the canister to blow. basically a non electrolytic capacitor is a capacitor with no extra features, just a couple of aluminum plates separated by air.


Can Power going off and on damage air conditioner?

Yes. Can blow capacitor, contactor or ground compressor.


Can a capacitor store power continuously?

Yes, but not for ever. A capacitor can never be perfectly insulated and it has a small leakage current, that causes it to discharge eventually.


What causes a condenser fan to run backwards sometimes?

Usually a faulty startup capacitor.


What are the capacitor effects on a single phase induction motor?

As anything to do with timing values for an electronic system of controlling a motor. Based on the question, the simple answer is that the capacitor causes a 90 degree lead which allows the motor to have a magnetic shift which causes the motor to start rotation.


How does the voltage across a parallel plate capacitor change when connected to a battery?

When a parallel plate capacitor is connected to a battery, the voltage across the capacitor increases as it charges. The battery provides a potential difference that causes charges to accumulate on the plates, leading to an increase in voltage until the capacitor is fully charged.


What causes fuses to blow on tail lights 1990 buick centry?

A short to ground causes all fuses to blow. If you have a trailer connecter then start there first.