5
Instractionsfor
use
1. Operating Precautions
5. Sudden charge and discharge
Sudden charge and discharge may result in short circuits and the large Leakage current. Therefore, protection
circuits are recommended to design in when the following conditions are available.
(a) The rush current is over 10 A.
(b) The rush current is over 10 times of allowable ripple current of OS-CON.
A protection resistor (1 kΩ) must be inserted to the circuit during the charge and discharge when measuring
the leakage current.
6. Failure and life-span
The OS-CON failure rate in use is based on the failure rate level in the specification requirements (Upper category
temperature and category voltage adhere to JIS C 5003. The confidence level is 60% and the failure rate is 0.5
%/1000h.) and this ratio is low, however, failures may occur.
It is possible to cause a failure circuit even if OS-CONs have a lowest failure rate. As the above reason, please
insert a protection circuit to prevent unlikely event by accident. Meanwhile, please design your circuit using
OS-CON which cause no damage to social or person directly, or use after checking that it causes no problem even
if it fails.
The failure modes mainly have two types (a) and (b) as follows.
(a) Contingency failure
The contingency failure mainly has short circuit. The phenomenon of after short is on following.
(1) Phenomenon of after short circuit mode
(a) Resin sealing type (SC, SA, SL, SH, SS, SP, SPA, and SF series)
In the event a short circuit causes the current to become relatively small (less than approximately 3A for
φ10 and less than approximately 1A for φ6.3), the OS-CON itself will generate a little heat, but its
appearance will not be affected even when electricity is supplied continuously.
However, if the short circuit current value exceeds the mentioned values above, the temperature inside
the OS-CON will increase. When the temperature exceeds approximately 220°C, the impregnated
organic semiconductor melts and liquefies, the internal pressure is raised, and the liquefied organic
semiconductor and odorous gas are released from the space between the sealant and the aluminum
case and lead terminals. In this case, keep your face and hands away from the area.
(b) Rubber sealing type (SEP, SEQP, SEPC, SVP, SVQP, SVPA, SVPB, SVPC, and SVPD series)
In the event a short circuit causes the current to become relatively small (less than approximately 1A for
φ10, less than approximately 0.5A for φ8 and less than approximately 0.2A for φ6.3), the OS-CON itself
will generate a little heat, but its appearance will not be affected even when electricity is supplied
continuously.
However, if the short circuit current value exceeds the mentioned values above, the temperature inside
the OS-CON will increase, the internal pressure is raised, rubber sealing is turned over, and odorous gas
is released. In this case, keep your face and hands away from the area.
(2) If a short circuit occurs and odorous gas is released, either turn off the main power of the equipment or
unplug the power cord from the outlet.
(3) If a short circuit occurs, it may take from a few seconds to a few minutes before the organic semiconductor
liquefies and an odorous gas produces, depending on the conditions. It is recommended to set up a power
protection circuit to function during this time.
(4) If the gas comes in contact with eyes, rinse immediately. If the gas is inhaled, gargle immediately.
(5) Do not lick the OS-CONs electrolyte. If the electrolyte comes in contact with skin, wash it off with soap
immediately.
(6) The electrolyte, electrolytic paper, resin, sleeve, sealing rubber, and plastic spacer used in the OS-CON are
all combustible. When the current is extraordinarily large after a short circuit, in the worst case, the shorted-
out section in the lead terminal or inside the capacitor may ignite the resin and/or rubber. Pay attention to
the capacitor mounting method, mounting position, pattern design, etc.
(b) Performance characteristic and failure (life-span)
The OS-CONs characteristics can possibly change (Capacitance reduction and ESR increase) within the
specified range in specifications when it is used in the condition of Rated voltage, Electric and mechanical
performance.
When life span exceeded the specified guarantee time of Endurance and Damp heat, electric characteristic
might change and cause electrolyte insulation. This is called Open circuit mode.