Shelf life of electrolytics

In 2015 I stocked up (not extravagantly) on Nichicon 105 C rated aluminum electrolytics (radial through-hole). Is it time to toss them (or set them aside for experiments) and stock up again? They were all re-formed and tested in 2023 and were good.

Hello @mcovington,

That’s not a question I can answer as we must consider quantity, application, how the end product will be used, and your ability to accept risk.

It may be better to ask what will happen if these 10- to 12-year-old parts reduce the longevity of your product. Depending on the application, the loss of goodwill and field repair may not be worth the risk.

The fact that you are asking implies that you instinctively know the capacitors are on the edge.

Best wishes,

APDahlen