GE Capacitor 23A Series, 23B Series, 23C Series, 23D Series, 23F Series Application Information

Application Data

Guidelines for Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors

Sensitivity to Frequency and Temperature:

Ripple current ratings are specified at an ambient temperature
of 85ºC in circulating air, using the 25ºC values of E.S.R.

The maximum allowable ripple current may be adjusted for
frequencies other than 120 Hz and temperatures other than
85ºC using the tables below.

RIPPLE CURRENT FREQUENCY MULTIPLIERS

Series 100 Hz 120 Hz 400 Hz 4 KHz 10 KHz 20 KHz

67

23A
23B
23C
23D

23F

23H

23J

23M

0.95 1.00

0.97 1.00

0.95 1.00

0.92 1.00

0.95 1.00 1.04 1.06

0.95 1.00 1.10 1.15

0.95 1.00

0.97 1.00 1.10 1.15

1.15 1.20

1.10 1.15 1.25 1.25

1.15 1.20

1.04 1.08 1.25 1.25

1.10 1.12

1.35 1.40

1.35 1.40

1.10 1.15

1.25 1.25

1.15 1.18

1.25 1.25

Table-AP1

RIPPLE CURRENT TEMPERATURE MULTIPLIERS

Series 105ºC 95ºC 85ºC 75ºC 65ºC 55ºC

23A ----- ----- 1.0 1.4 1.7 2.0
23B ----- ----- 1.0 1.4 1.7 2.0
23C ----- 1.0 1.4 1.7 2.0 2.3

45ºC

2.3

2.3

2.5

35ºC

2.5

2.5

2.7

23D ----- ----- 1.0 1.4 1.7 2.0

23F 0.0 0.7 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6

23H ----- ----- 1.0 1.4 2.0 2.3

23J ----- ----- 1.0 1.4 2.0 2.3

23M 0.0 0.7 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6

Table-AP2

2.3

1.7

2.5

2.5

1.7

2.5

1.9

2.7

2.7

1.9

68

Application Data

Guidelines for Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors

RIPPLE CURRENT AIR-FLOW MULTIPLIERS

AIR FLOW (Linear Feet / Minute)

LFM 0 50 100 150 200 250 300
All Series 1 1.15 1.25 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7

Note: Air-Flow Multiplier is in addition to other applied multipliers.

Table-AP3

AIR-FLOW MULTIPLIERS

MULTIPLIER

RIPPLE CURRENT

LFM (Linear FT / MIN-Airflow)

Chart-APC1

APPLIED VOLTAGE

The combined Peak AC Voltage and DC Voltage shall not exceed the DC Voltage Rating
of the capacitor, or the reverse DC Voltage Rating of the capacitor.

REVERSE VOLTAGE

Unless otherwise spec ified, the maximum permissible reverse voltage rating for all
aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors is 1.5 volts.

Application Data

Guidelines for Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors

RMS CURRENT LIMITS FOR TERMINAL TYPES *

69

Terminal

Type 1.375 1.750 2.000 2.500 3.000

P
L30
H
D
N

M30303040

K N/A N/A N/A

* NOTE: The maximum values shown in the above table are expressed in
Amps RMS, and based on the minimum specified torque in Table AP4A,
and assuming a minimum of 4 threads are fully engaged.

25 25 25 N/A
30

30 30 30 40
N/A N/A N/A 50
N/A N/A N/A 50 50

Case Diameter

N/A

30 30 30

40
50

40

50 50

Table-AP4

SHELF LIFE

Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors which have been stored for extended periods or in
elevated temperatures undergo dielectric deterioration causing DC Leakage currents to
increase beyond allowable levels. Sustained elevated Leakage currents cause
decreased service life due to higher device operating temperatures. Use of capacitors
exhibiting excessive leakage currents may cause premature activation of the pressure
sensitive safety vent, or total dielectric failure.

The normal shelf life expectancy for these capacitors is described by Charts APC2 & APC3
on page 70. Units suspected of exceeding the “maximum Shelf Life” line in this chart,
should be discarded and replaced. It is recommended that units be reformed only once
to reduce the DC Leakage current to specification levels.

70

Application Data

Guidelines for Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors

MAXIMUM STORAGE LIFE

(23A – 23E) Series

MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE

MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE

STORAGE TIME (000’S HOURS)

STORAGE TEMPERATURE (DEGREES C)

Chart-APC2

MAXIMUM STORAGE LIFE

(23H – 23M) Series

STORAGE TIME (000’S HOURS)

STORAGE TEMPERATURE (DEGREES C)

Chart-APC3

Application Data

Guidelines for Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors

OPERATING LIFE

Operating life of capacitors is determined by operating temperature and applied voltage. Operating
life can be extended by derating applied voltage, operating temperature, or applied RMS ripple
current. Refer to the equations below for estimating capacitor life.

EXPECTED CAPACITOR OPERATING LIFE
Le = Lb x Lv x Lt

To calculate the predicted life expectancy at 100% DUTY CYCLE for a given Electrolytic capacitor, the
following specification information and operating parameters must first be determined.

Le: Expected Capacitor Life
Lb: This is the base life for the capacitor being used, as shown in Table-AP5 (BASE LIFE BY SERIES) on

page 74 of this catalog.
Lv: Represents the extension of life of the capacitor due to voltage derating; determined by the
following calculation:

71

Vr – Va x 6.66

Lv = 2^ Vr

Va: Represents the applied DC working voltage (worst case) the capacitor will see during operation.
Vr: Represents the maximum rated DC working voltage (WVDC) of the capacitor selected; this value

is shown on the capacitor specification sheet or listed by part number in this catalog.
Lt: Represents the extension of life of the capacitor due to the derating of the core temperature;
determined by the following calculation:

Lt = 2^ 10

Tm: Represents the maximum allowable core temperature, for the series, as shown in Table-AP5.
Tc: Is the operating core temperature determined by the following calculation:

Tc = Ta + ( AREA ) ( Kt )

Ta: Represents the highest ambient temperature in the immediate vicinity of the capacitor (in

Degrees C).

I: Represents the applied RMS ripple current.
ESR: Represents the equivalent series resistance of the capacitor as shown on the specification sheet,

or listed for the capacitor in this catalog.

[ ]

(Tm – Tc)

[ ]

( I )2 ( ESR ) + ( Va ) ( Idcl )

[ ]

72

Application Data

Guidelines for Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors

OPERATING LIFE (cont’d)

Idcl: Represents the rated DC leakage current. This value is found on the individual specification

sheet for the capacitor intended for this application, or determined from the following calculation:

Idcl = ( X ) C x V Where C = Capacitance in uF; V = Rated working voltage (WVDC) of

the capacitors, and ( X ) = the value found in Table-AP8 on page 74.

AREA: Represents the area of the aluminum case of the capacitor as shown in Table-AP6 (SURFACE
AREA OF ALUMINUM CASE) on page 75.
Kt: Represents the thermal conductivity of the selected capacitor. This is found by using the case
code of the capacitor part number, and selecting the appropriate Kt value shown in Table-AP7
(THERMAL CONDUCTANCE) on page 75.

EXAMPLE: Part Number – 23J252F400FH1H1

THE FOLLOWING ARE SAMPLE APPLICATION PARAMETERS TO BE USED IN THE EXAMPLE FOR LIFE
EXPECTANCY CALCULATION.

1) C = 2,500 uF (Microfarads of example part)

2) Vr = 400 WVDC (Rated Voltage)

3) Va = 325 VDC (The applied voltage for application)

4) ESR = 0.026 Ohms (Rated E.S.R. of the capacitor as shown in the catalog or specification sheet)

o

5) Ta = 65

6) I = 9.2 Amps RMS @ 120 Hz (Applied RMS ripple current)

C (ambient temperature in application)

Le = Lb x Lv x Lt

7) Lb = 2,000 (Base life from Table-AP5 on page 74)

400 – 325 x 6.66

8) Lv = 2^ 400

9) Idcl = ( X ) C x V = (0.75) 2,500 x 400 = (0.75) 1,000 = 750 uA

10) Tc = Ta + ( AREA ) ( Kt ) = 65 + (55.37) (0.0044) = 75.05

[ ]

For purposes of calculating Tc, Idcl should be expressed in AMPS.

( I )2 ( ESR ) + ( Va ) ( Idcl ) (9.2)2 (0.026) + (325) (0.00075)

[ ] [ ]

105 – 75.05

11) Lt = 2^ 10 = 8

12) Le = Lb x Lv x Lt

13) Le = 2,000 x 2.38 x 8 = 38,080 Hrs. (At 100% Duty Cycle)

[ ]

Application Data

Guidelines for Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors

OPERATING LIFE (cont’d)

In the foregoing example for estimating capacitor life, all calculations were made based on 120 Hz.
Operation and convective air-flow condition. For additional considerations at other than 120 Hz. And
where air-flow is available, see the additional calculations below.

EXAMPLE: Use the following to determine Life Expectancy, when the capacitor is exposed to 150

LFM (linear feet per minute) air-flow and operating at 400 Hz.
Where Tc = Core temperature and is used to determine derating or extension of life; the following

should be used to determine life extension where above adjustments are to be considered.

( I )2 ( ESR x 1 / Ripple current mult. ) + ( Va ) ( Idcl )

Tc = Ta + ( AREA ) ( Kt x Airflow mult. )

73

The Ripple current multiplier = 1.10 (found in Table-AP1 on page 67)
The Airflow multiplier = 1.40 (found in Table-AP3 on page 68)

(9.2)2 (0.026 x 1 / 1.10) + (325) (0.00075)

Tc = 65 + (55.37) (0.0044 x 1.40) = 73.12

Recalculating expected life under the additional operating conditions results in the following:

Le = 2,000 x 2.38 x Lt

105 – 73.12

Lt = 2^ 10 = 9

Le = 2,000 x 2.38 x 9 = 42,480 Hrs.

[ ]

(Operated at 400 Hz. And forced air at 150 LFM) (At 100% Duty Cycle)

74

Application Data

Guidelines for Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors

TERMINAL TORQUE

(Expressed in Inch Pounds)

(Minimum of 4 threads engaged)

Terminal

StyleMin.Max.Min.Max.

L20810
H301015
D50
N502030

M5 30

CLASS 2B CLASS 2C

14
20
32
32
20
32M6 50

BASE LIFE by SERIES Idcl value of X

Series Rated Ambient Max. Core Base Life

Type Temp (ºC) Temp (ºC) (Hours)

23A 85 95 1,000

23B 85 105
23C
23D 85 1,000

23F 85 105 3,000
23H 85 95

23H (500V) 65 75

23M 85

Table-AP5

100 2,00085

95

105

95 2,000

Table-AP4A

3,000

2,000
1,000
2,00023J 105

16 25

10
16 25

15

Series Value

Type of X

23A 3.00

23B 1.50
23C 3.00
23D 1.50

23F
23H 1.00

23J
23M 2.00

1.50

0.75

Table-AP8

Application Data

Guidelines for Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors

SURFACE AREA of ALUMINUM CASE THERMAL CONDUCTANCE

(Square Inches) (Watts per Square Inch Degrees C)

75

Case Case

Code Code

BB 1.375 2.125 10.66 BB 1.375 2.125 0.0130
BC 1.375 2.625 12.82 BC 1.375 2.625 0.0101
BD 1.375 3.125 14.98 BD 1.375 3.125 0.0083

BE 1.375 3.625 17.14 BE 1.375 3.625 0.0071

BF 1.375 4.125 19.30 BF 1.375 4.125 0.0062

BG 1.375 4.625 21.45 BG 1.375 4.625 0.0054

BH 1.375 5.125 23.62 BH 1.375 5.125 0.0049

BI 1.375 5.625 25.78 BI 1.375 5.625 0.0044

CB 1.750 2.125 14.09 CB 1.750 2.125 0.0139

CC 1.750 2.625 16.84 CC 1.750 2.625 0.0102
CD 1.750 3.125 19.59 CD 1.750 3.125 0.0081

CE 1.750 3.625 22.33 CE 1.750 3.625 0.0068
CF 1.750 4.125 25.08 CF 1.750 4.125 0.0058

CG 1.750 4.625 27.83 CG 1.750 4.625 0.0051

CH 1.750 5.125 30.58 CH 1.750 5.125 0.0045

CI 1.750 5.625 33.33 CI 1.750 5.625 0.0041
DB 2.000 2.125 16.49 DB 2.000 2.125 0.0140

DC 2.000 2.625 19.63 DC 2.000 2.625 0.0107
DD 2.000 3.125 22.78 DD 2.000 3.125 0.0083

DE 2.000 3.625 25.92 DE 2.000 3.625 0.0068
DF 2.000 4.125 29.06 DF 2.000 4.125 0.0057

DG 2.000 4.625 32.20 DG 2.000 4.625 0.0050
DH 2.000 5.125 35.34 DH 2.000 5.125 0.0044

DI 2.000 5.625 38.48 DI 2.000 5.625 0.0040
DJ 2.000 5.875 40.05 DJ 2.000 5.875 0.0038

DL 2.000 8.625 57.33 DL 2.000 8.625 0.0033
EC 2.500 2.625 25.52 EC 2.500 2.625 0.0102

ED 2.500 3.125 29.45 ED 2.500 3.125 0.0082

EE 2.500 3.625 33.38 EE 2.500 3.625 0.0071

EF 2.500 4.125 37.31 EF 2.500 4.125 0.0058
EG 2.500 4.625 41.23 EG 2.500 4.625 0.0049
EH 2.500 5.125 45.16 EH 2.500 5.125 0.0043

EI 2.500 5.625 49.09 EI 2.500 5.625 0.0038

FD 3.000 3.125 36.52 FD 3.000 3.125 0.0081

FE 3.000 3.625 41.23 FE 3.000 3.625 0.0070

FF 3.000 4.125 45.95 FF 3.000 4.125 0.0064

FG 3.000 4.625 50.66 FG 3.000 4.625 0.0052

FH 3.000 5.125 55.37 FH 3.000 5.125 0.0044

FI 3.000 5.625 60.08 FI 3.000 5.625 0.0038

FJ 3.000 5.875 62.44 FJ 3.000 5.875 0.0035

FK 3.000 7.625 78.93 FK 3.000 7.625 0.0026

FL 3.000 8.625 88.36 FL 3.000 8.625 0.0022

FM 3.000 6.625 69.51 FM 3.000 6.625 0.0030

LNG.DIA. AREA DIA. LNG. Kt

Table-AP7Table-AP6

76

Application Data

Guidelines for Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors

REPETITIVE DISCHARGE APPLICATIONS

Applications wherein the capacitor may experience repetitive discharges into inductive loads, should
be protected using a free wheeling diode, or a blocking diode to prevent the capacitor from being
exposed to excessive reverse voltage.

HIGH ALTITUDE APPLICATIONS

Regal-Beloit’s Electrolytic Capacitors may be stored or operated at altitudes up to 100,000 feet with
no adverse effects.

CAPACITOR MOUNTING APPLICATIONS

Regal-Beloit utilizes a pitchless construction for all case sizes. This allows capacitors to be mounted in
any orientation; however, Regal-Beloit recommends that all electrolytic capacitors be mounted with
the terminals in a vertical position. This provides the best possible protection against loss of electrolyte
in the event of vent activation. (SEE ELECTROLYTE FLUIDS)

As with all Electrolytic Capacitor “Electrolyte Fluids,” a precaution should be taken and appropriate
action should be taken in the event of spill or exposure, as described in Regal-Beloit’s Material Safety
Data Sheets.

ELECTROLYTE FLUIDS

Regal-Beloit will upon request, provide Material Safety Data Sheets for the various fluids used in
manufacture of any Regal-Beloit Electrolytic Capacitor. The Regal-Beloit part number must be
advised so we may supply the correct Data Sheet.

USE OF CLEANING SOLVENTS or ELECTRICAL JOINT COMPOUNDS

Regal-Beloit recommends using only those cleaning solvents and electrical compounds which are
free of halogens, or halogen groups. Further, Regal-Beloit recommends not using any petroleum or
petroleum distillate products.

VIBRATION SPECIFICATIONS

Regal-Beloit Electrolytic Capacitors are capable of withstanding 10 G’s o f sinusoidal vibration with a
frequency range of 10 to 500 Hz., provided mounting is accomplished using an approved clamp
around the capacitor case.

(Reference MIL Std 202(F); Method 204D; Test condition A) Products are designed and produce
commercially with the capability of meeting the vibration conditions referenced.

Application Data

Guidelines for Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors

USE OF CAPACITORS IN SERIES

DC VOLTAGE SHARING

Capacitors can safely be used in series pairs to allow application at higher DC bus voltages, provided
proper voltage sharing within the series group is maintained using balancing resistors. This will provide
proper voltage sharing over the course of the useful life of the capacitor, if the resistors are sized such
that the current through the resistor is roughly a factor of 10 greater than the initial specified DC
Leakage current of the capacitor.

TRANSIENT VOLTAGE SHARING

Voltage sharing of series-connected capacitors under transient voltage conditions can be
accomplished by matching the capacitance values of the series connected units. The degree of
matching required is determined by the degree of derating on the unit. The greater the derating
allowed, the less critical exact voltage sharing becomes. Generally, a 10 percent symmetrical
tolerance is sufficient for most applications.

77

FUSING OF SERIES CAPACITORS

Fusing of individual series groups is recommended to minimize the risk of catastrophic failure in the
event of a device fault. It is recommended that a common mi dpoint connection NOT be used due
to the risk of cascaded failures.

SAFETY

ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITORS HAVE A HIGH WATT-SECOND CAPABILITY. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT SUITABLE
PRECAUTIONS BE OBSERVED IN THE TESTING AND APPLICATION OF THESE CAPACITORS. BLEEDER
RESISTORS AND OTHER DISCHARGE CIRCUITRY SHOULD BE USED FOR PROTECTION AGAINST ELECTRICAL
SHOCK. MECHANICAL STRUCTURES MUST BE DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND CATASTROPHIC FAILURE DUE TO
THE LARGE FAULT CURRENTS WHICH MAY OCCUR IN THE EVENT OF A CAPACITOR SHORT CIRCUIT. THE
MECHANICAL STRUCTURE SHOULD BE CONSTRUCTED SUCH THAT IT WILL BE CAPABLE OF CONTAINING
THE CAPACITOR(S) IF A CAPACITOR EXPLOSION SHOULD OCCUR. EXTREME CAUTION SHOULD BE
TAKEN AT ALL TIMES WHEN WORKING WITH ENERGIZED SYSTEMS. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD

ANY ENERGIZED EQUIPMENT BE RENDERED UNSECURE AS TO CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY OF PROPERTY
DAMAGE IN THE EVENT OF A CAPACITOR EXPLOSION.