Film Capacitors – Power Factor Correction
PhiCap capacitors
B32344ExxxxAxxx
B32344E-series
Cautions and warnings
In case of dents of more than 1 mm depth or any other mechanical damage, capacitors must not
be used at all.
This applies also in cases of oil leakages.
To ensure the full functionality of the overpressure disconnector, elastic elements must not be
hindered and a minimum space of 12 mm has to be kept above each capacitor.
Do not handle the capacitor before it is discharged.
Resonance cases must be avoided by appropriate application design in any case.
Handle capacitors carefully, because they may still be charged even after disconnection due to
faulty discharging devices.
Protect the capacitor properly against over current and short circuit.
Failure to follow cautions may result, worst case, in premature failures, bursting and fire.
Discharging
Capacitors must be discharged to a maximum of 10% of rated voltage before they are switched in
again. This prevents an electric impulse discharge in the application, influences the capacitor’s
service life and protects against electric shock. The capacitor must be discharged to 75 V or less
within 3 minutes. There must be not any switch, fuse or any other disconnecting device in the circuit
between the power capacitor and the discharging device. PhiCap-capacitors E-series have a pre-
mounted ceramic discharge module inserted from above into the middle section of the terminal;
alternatively discharge reactors are available from EPCOS. Discharge and short circuit capacitor
before handling!
Service life expectancy
Electrical components do not have an unlimited service life expectancy; this applies to self-healing
capacitors too. The maximum service life expectancy may vary depending on the application the
capacitor is used in.
Safety
Electrical or mechanical misapplication of capacitors may be hazardous. Personal injury or property
damage may result from bursting of the capacitor or from expulsion of oil or melted material due to
mechanical disruption of the capacitor.
Ensure good, effective grounding for capacitor enclosures.
Provide means of disconnecting and insulating a faulty component/bank.
The terminals of capacitors, connected bus bars and cables as well as other devices may also be
energized.
Follow good engineering practice.
Thermal load/over-temperature
After installation of the capacitor it is necessary to verify that maximum hot-spot temperature is not
exceeded at extreme service conditions.
FILM PFC PM
October 2011
Please read Cautions and warnings and
Page 7 of 10
Important notes at the end of this document.