Technical Guides & Resources
Access our comprehensive library of technical guides, application notes, and resources to help you select and use capacitors effectively.
Most-Requested Capacitor Guides
Fast answers for testing, code decoding, polarity checks, and visible failure diagnosis.
How to Test a Capacitor
Multimeter methods with and without capacitance mode plus pass/fail readings.
Open GuideReferenceCapacitor Code J & 104/103 Chart
Decode tolerance code J, common capacitor markings, and voltage codes quickly.
Open GuideESRWhat Is ESR in a Capacitor?
Typical ESR ranges and practical pass/fail checks for power supply troubleshooting.
Open GuidePolarityTantalum Capacitor Polarity
Find positive and negative markings on SMD and dipped tantalum capacitors.
Open GuideFailureDistended Capacitor Failure Signs
Visual indicators, root-cause checklist, and safer replacement guidance.
Open GuideMotor/HVACStart Capacitor Failure Symptoms
Symptom checklist for motors that hum, stall, or trip breakers at startup.
Open GuideReliabilityWhy Capacitors Fail
Root-cause guide for heat stress, ESR rise, ripple overload, and overvoltage damage.
Open GuidePackage TypeRadial Capacitor Guide
What radial capacitor means, radial vs axial, and replacement decisions.
Open GuideSizingWhat Size Capacitor Do I Need?
Practical sizing rules by application with replacement-safe matching guidelines.
Open GuideSelection Guides
Comprehensive guides for choosing the right capacitors
How to Test a Capacitor with a Multimeter
Step-by-step guide to identifying bad capacitors using a digital multimeter. Learn 3 proven testing methods.
Capacitor Codes & Markings Chart
Decode 104J, 103, voltage codes, and tolerance letters instantly with our comprehensive capacitor marking charts.
Tantalum Capacitor Polarity: Markings & Orientation
How to identify positive and negative on SMD and dipped tantalum capacitors. Includes polarity chart, reverse-install failure signs, and safe replacement tips.
Distended (Bulging) Capacitors: Causes & Replacement
What a bulging or distended capacitor looks like, why it fails, and how to choose a reliable replacement before board damage spreads.
Why Capacitors Fail: Top Causes & Prevention
Failure mechanisms explained simply: electrolyte drying, ESR rise, ripple current heating, voltage stress, and bad ventilation. Includes selection tips to extend life.
Typical ESR for Electrolytic Capacitors
Practical ESR guidance with typical ranges by capacitance and voltage, what affects ESR, and how to interpret ESR meter readings when troubleshooting.
Typical Tan Delta for Polypropylene Film Capacitors
What tan δ indicates, typical PP film ranges, what changes with frequency/temperature, and how to pick a film capacitor for low-loss applications.
Start Capacitor Failure Symptoms
Common symptoms of a failing start capacitor, what to look for visually, and how to test safely with a meter. Includes replacement matching tips.
What Is ESR in a Capacitor? Typical ESR Values
Typical ESR ranges by capacitor type with practical pass/fail troubleshooting rules for power supplies.
What Is a Radial Capacitor? Radial vs Axial Guide
Understand radial capacitors, radial vs axial differences, polarity notes, and replacement checks for reliable repairs.
What Size Capacitor Do I Need? Practical Selection Guide
How to choose capacitor size for replacements, motors, and power supplies with practical matching rules and calculator links.
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