is "isolation" a specification in capacitors?

[hugz]

I might need to hire someone to replace some SMD capacitors for me. I sent him a website that listed the capacitor values that need replacing. The website only lists the capacitance though, with no further details. He replied

"There's still one value not given and that's the isolation. These caps have different voltages of operation, so make sure they have the right voltage. Should be over 16V or 50V"

Is "isolation" just another word for the voltage (or an auto-correct error), or is it a specification that I need to work out? The little SMD caps have written things like:
"8F 10 36v"

Which I take to mean 10uf 36v, with "8F" possibly indicating the brand/series/size? I was just going to buy a mix of random panasonic/nichicon caps that suit the capacitance and voltage, without worrying about the exact series

 

[rayma]

Isolation is not the right term, instead use voltage rating. Since your parts do have the voltage rating printed
on them, just make sure what you buy is the same or higher.

Be certain that you order the exact same size of each part, otherwise they will not fit.
Common sizes are:

1206 size 3.0 x 1.5mm or 0.12 x 0.06"
0805 size 2.0 x 1.3mm or 0.08 x 0.05"
0603 size 1.5 x 0.8mm or 0.06 x 0.03"

 

[hugz]

I think I must have mistaken my terminology. The capacitors are small silver cans. Googling those size codes shows tiny resistor-like capacitors.

 

[dliscomb]

I couldn't find anything that sounds like "isolation" as a parameter. Lots of articles on "capacitive isolation", but the context was very different.
Electrolytic capacitors can be had in surface mount packages, like these.
As @rayma said any, you need to ensure both the capacitance and voltage rating are compatible. In addition, there are polar and bipolar electrolytic capacitors, and they are most definitely not intechangeable.

A random list that seems decent, at a glance: https://www.electronics-notes.com/a...ents/capacitors/specifications-parameters.php

Kind regards,
Drew

 

[rayma]

Yes, those are electrolytic capacitors, and the same voltage rating requirement applies, the same or higher.
Also the same size concerns apply. Also they have an electrical polarity, and must not be reversed.
Those packages are much easier to replace.

 

[hugz]

Thank you both.

Regarding the size of electrolytic SMD caps- am I measuring the cans or the black plastic base of the capacitors?

 

[dliscomb]

Perhaps the term "insulation resistance" is what was meant. Apparently that's an alternative to "leakage resistance".

Kind regards,
Drew

 

[kevinkr]

Why do you actually need to replace them? Most SMD aluminum electrolytics fall into the better performance end of the electrolytic world. If you feel that there is an actual benefit to replacing them I would look at the Panasonic line, noting that you need to measure the mounting dimensions (that little black plastic square at the bottom of the cap.

 

[dliscomb]

Certainly the base of the new components needs to match the originals, or the contacts will not match.
Whether the height will fit or not of course depends on the space available above the board.

Kind regards,
Drew

 

[rayma]

This representative data sheet has a range of standard sizes with dimensions.

 

[johnmath]

We can all speculate about what your tech meant, but if you want to know for sure ask why not him?

 

[hugz]

Why do you actually need to replace them? Most SMD aluminum electrolytics fall into the better performance end of the electrolytic world. If you feel that there is an actual benefit to replacing them I would look at the Panasonic line, noting that you need to measure the mounting dimensions (that little black plastic square at the bottom of the cap.

My tape deck is suffering a well known problem typically caused by bad capacitors on the capstan motor. I opted not to use the repair tech due to the cost, but was a little confused about the "isolation" specification since I've never bought SMD caps before.

 

[kevinkr]

I think what you are actually looking for are low leakage types. I have several Sony 3 head cassette decks with dual capstan BLDC direct drive motors which needed to have 2 - 3 specific SMD electrolytics replaced - is this possibly what we are discussing here?

 

[hugz]

Tascam 122mkii. Speed issues are very commonly caused by bad electrolytics on the capstan motor board

 

[JMFahey]

Isolation is being used instead of insulation, so don´t lose sleep over it, and of course means voltage rating.
Here:

"There's still one value not given and that's the isolation. These caps have different voltages of operation, so make sure they have the right voltage. Should be over 16V or 50V"

Clearly mentioned ll together in the same phrase, it was instantly obvious to me.

In fact, we don´t know about Mother language or preferences for that Tech, or what texts he studied from.
In French and other Latin derived languages, Isolation is the proper word.

isolation
nom féminin

........

• 2. Ensemble des matériaux utilisés pour isoler un dispositif électrique.

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