02-02-2026, 05:19 PM
There are many things to consider when pondering the working voltage vs capacitance.
Not only it is different between the wet lytics and other caps, it is different between the types, manufacturers and older/newer types.
If the voltage is lower, the oxide layer which is the dielectric, will grow. When it grows, it will reduce the capacitance.
However if the voltage is much smaller than the WV, the oxide will stop forming properly and will start eroding, forming pits. But the capacitance might grow.
So, if you subject it to high voltage (or after the long storage) without re-forming, the cap might fail. If reformed, these pits and thinned oxide usually heal.
However, I do not think that using a 450V cap in 250V circuit will adversely affect anything.
Not only it is different between the wet lytics and other caps, it is different between the types, manufacturers and older/newer types.
If the voltage is lower, the oxide layer which is the dielectric, will grow. When it grows, it will reduce the capacitance.
However if the voltage is much smaller than the WV, the oxide will stop forming properly and will start eroding, forming pits. But the capacitance might grow.
So, if you subject it to high voltage (or after the long storage) without re-forming, the cap might fail. If reformed, these pits and thinned oxide usually heal.
However, I do not think that using a 450V cap in 250V circuit will adversely affect anything.
People who do not drink, do not smoke, do not eat red meat will one day feel really stupid lying there and dying from nothing.
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