Electrolytic Capacitor Markings: how to interpret them & what they mean

Discover the meaning of the markings & codes that are found on electrolytic capacitors, and understand how they may affect any electronic circuit designs.

Electrolytic capacitors a have a variety of markings on them that give away a lot about them and its really important to understand them There are many types of electrolytic capacitor from small to large, but they all have markings on them showing which way they should be used in a circuit, and what their value and other specifications might be.

These markings provide information about the polarity (electrolytics are polarised capacitors and need to be used with the correct orientation), value, working voltage, temperature range, tolerance and even the maximum ripple current.

Knowing what the various markings are and what they mean can ensure that the right capacitor is inserted in the right place in a circuit, and with the correct orientation. It is essential for anyone associated with electronics hardware to be able to understand these markings and codes.

Although there are many types of electrolytic capacitor: aluminium electrolytic, tantalum, etc, the type that is most often used is the aluminium electrolytic capacitor. Often the term electrolytic capacitor is used to refer to this type.

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Capacitor codes and markings: https://www.electronics-notes.com/art...

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