Capacitor fire rating

What is a Certified Safety capacitor?

Certified Safety Capacitors are vital components for safety critical across-the-line and line-to-chassis applications. X-class capacitors are used across the line where failure would not lead to an electrical shock. X-class capacitors are divided into sub-classes by its rated and pulse voltage. See Table 1. Table 1.

What are X-class safety capacitors?

X-class safety capacitors classification Y-class capacitors are used in “line-to-ground” applications where failure could lead to an electrical shock. It is also divided into sub-classes by their AC voltage and peak surge voltage ratings. See Table 2.

Are class X & Y safety capacitors dangerous?

Table 1. Class-X subclass ratings* lead to a fatal electric shock due to the loss of the ground connection. Class-Y safety capacitors are designed to fail open.

Should a capacitor test be based on a standard?

Even if the test based on the capacitor standard is passed, this does not ensure comprehensive protection against all pos-sible overloading. Currently, a number of customers are requesting special tests on unprotected capacitors with extreme overvoltages and temperatures to prove safe capacitor per-formance.

How do I choose a Class X & Y safety capacitor?

To be clear, you should select your Class-X and Class-Y capacitors according to your design's purpose and requirements. Whereas X2 and Y2 caps are appropriate for household applications, X1 and Y1 safety capacitors are used in industrial settings.

What type of safety capacitor should I use?

Subclass X2 and Y2 are the most common type of subclass for applications that use 120VAC (USA) or 220/240VAC (Europe). X/Y combination capacitors are also available, so you might consider using one of these, as well. Whichever safety capacitor you choose, make sure that it has all the proper safety-approval logo markings.