Film capacitors – Power Factor Correction

B32343C****A***

PhiCap capacitors

B32343C / MKPxxx-D

FK PC PM PFC

March 2009

Please read Cautions and warnings and

Page 9 of 12

Important notes at the end of this document.

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. Discharge resistors are included in the

extend of delivery; 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.