7 Oct
2010
7 Oct
'10
3:12 p.m.
On 10/06/2010 10:18 AM, Richard wrote:
Now I know that capacitors tend to the component most
likely to fail
on a piece of vintage equipment, but this is the first time I recall
seeing it claimed that lack of use accelerates deterioriation of
capacitors.
The oxide layer breaks down over time, which lowers the breakdown
voltage of the capacitor. If you then apply the full working voltage,
it will damage the capacitor.
The oxide layer can be "reformed" by application of a limited current to
the capacitor. This is actually how the oxide layer is initially formed
when the capacitor is manufactured. If the capacitor is reformed
properly, it should have performance characteristics comparable to those
it had after manufacture.
Eric