Simple ? cap question

[Guest Bret]

soundminded wrote:

>The equivalent capacitance of capacitors in parallel are C(eq) = C1 + C2 + C3 +....+ Cn. The eqivalent capacitance of capacitors in series is 1/C(eq) = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + 1/C3 +...1/Cn. Personally I would try to avoid wiring capacitors in series but in parallel, there should be no problem.<

What happens to the voltage rating when you parallel or series capacitors?

Bret

[soundminded]

When capacitors are wired in parallel, the voltage rating is the rating of the lowest (voltage) of the group. The lowest in parallel is the weak link in the chain. When the voltage rises above that rating, there is every risk that the capacitor will break down (fail) because the dialectric strength of the mateiral in that one is not strong enough to withstand it. So if for instance, you have 99 capacitors rated at 100 volts and one capacitor rated 50 volts all in parallel, the rating of the group is 50 volts. In series, its a whole different ballgame but that's a chapter from another book.

[Guest Bret]

>you have 99 capacitors rated at 100 volts and one capacitor rated 50 volts all in parallel, the rating of the group is 50 volts.<

Makes perfect sense.

Which is frightening.

Thanks.

Bret