Aluminum Electrolytic Snap-In Capacitors

The term snap-in is a result of the lead configuration for this type of aluminum electrolytic capacitor. This style is designed for easy mounting on a printed circuit board. At TEDSS, you can look for what you need from one the industries largest inventories of this style of capacitor. Our easy to use website and terrific pricing are why you should make www.tedss.com your first choice when you are looking for electronic components.

Snap-in capacitors are used in a wide variety of applications because of the many advantages they provide. The aluminum case is fully insulated. The marking of the polarity makes installation easy. The safety vent on the base provides overload protection. Snap-in solder pins hold this component in place on the PC-board. They are made in many different case sizes. They have a high ripple current capability.

These are just some of the reasons that make this style one of the most popular of the aluminum electrolytic capacitors. The reason you should visit TEDSS to buy your snap-in capacitors is because you can search for what you need by using a part number, a description or just by using a using our visual search capability to match the picture of the part in stock in TEDSS with the part you need to replace. Our ability to ship the same day, in most cases and our great pricing will help you to see why our loyal customer base is growing every day.

TEDSS inventory, which expands almost daily, gives you the opportunity to buy snap-in capacitors made by the leading capacitor manufacturers and their most recent product offerings. It ranges from 6.3VDC up to 500VDC.

TEDSS has in stock many of this industry leading manufacturers. Here are just a few of the most popular brands in stock:

• CDE
• Elna
• Nichicon
• Rubycon
• TDK / Epcos
• Vishay
• United Chemicon

These brands as well as many others are in stock at both the commercial and industrial temperature ratings (85°C and 105°C) and in a wide range of sizes including low profile.

• Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE) is one of the industry leaders not only in the large can screw terminal type capacitors but also in the snap-in style can which can also be found at TEDSS. We stock the general purpose 85°C 380L series, their compact size 85°C 380LQ series, their general purpose 105°C 381L series and their small size 105°C 381LX series. With the acquisition of Illinois Capacitor in 2015 CDE now offer the 105°C LMB series and the 85°C LBB series both of these series formerly sold by Illinois Capacitor are popular in filtering applications.
• Elna's LP4 and LP5 series can be found in our extensive inventory. These series are available at TEDSS even though they have been discontinued by Elna. Our ability to provide you with discontinued and obsolete products is just another reason to shop at TEDSS. We can save you from dealing with the problems created when you are forced to redesign.
• Nichicon, the Japanese manufacturer that is a leader in aluminum capacitors of all styles, is stocked in depth at TEDSS.A search on our website will show you that TEDSS should be your source for Nichicon capacitors. The snap-in series that we are stock some of our most popular items. This can be attributed to Nichicon’s quality and our low prices and fast delivery of these parts. The 105°C LGJ and LAR series are in stock for most values and ready to ship right away.
• Rubycon, another of Japan’s leaders in the manufacture of aluminum capacitors, is a brand that is in stock at TEDSS in snap-in capacitors. Long lead times are no problem when its stock at TEDSS, so check us out. We have in stock a wide range of values in the 85°C USR series and 105°C MXR series.
• If you need to buy the 159 PUL-SI series snap-in capacitors made by Vishay, TEDSS should be the first place you should go. We know how popular this series has been for our customers and therefore we are constantly adding to our inventory and will continue to offer great pricing for them.
• United Chemicon (UCC) is another of the leading Japanese aluminum capacitor manufacturers and TEDSS has stock on their 105°C KMM and KMH series as well as their 85°C SMH series.

For your convenience, in selecting the capacitor that will work best in your application, we have created a chart that should be able to help you select an alternate if the series you need is not in stock. This chart does not indicate that the units listed are an exact replacement. It does show which series share general characteristics. Information such as size and other characteristics should be checked on the manufacturer's data sheet which we have provided when possible.

What is a snap-in capacitor?

It is a radial lead aluminum electrolytic capacitor that has SNAP-LOCK terminals. These terminals allow for the capacitor to be locked into place to prevent any unnecessary movement.

What is the difference between snap-in and snap mount capacitors?

There is no difference both terms refer to the same lead style termination.

Why do snap-in capacitors have a vent?

The safety vent on the base of the capacitor provides overload protection.

What is the lead spacing on a snap-in capacitor?

For 2 pin style snap-in capacitors the standard lead spacing for any standard diameter size is 10mm.

Can I increase the voltage rating for the capacitor I need without it causing a problem?

Yes if you are using a capacitor that has a DC voltage rating you can use a capacitor that has a higher rating without it being a problem however when the voltage is increased the size may also increase and that cause create a problem in where the capacitor is being placed in the application. You will need to check the size of both voltage ratings before switching to the higher voltage.

What are the standard temperature ranges for snap-in capacitors?

The most common ranges are:

• -40° / +85°C
• -55° / +105°C
• -25° / +125° C

Why do some snap-in capacitors have 3, 4 and 5 leads?

The additional leads are for physical stability in mounting the capacitor. It is used to ensure correct insertion. It should have no electrical connection.

Is the endurance hour rating important for a snap-in capacitor will operate?

Yes it indicates how long the capacitor with work at maximum efficiency when used at the maximum ambient temperature temperate rating. If the temperature is decreased the lifetime will be extended.

Do I have to use all pins in multi pins snap-in capacitor?

No you don’t. If your capacitor has more than 2 pins, you don’t have to use the other pins. They are only for mounting stability purpose. For any reason you may have, you can bend, remove all other terminals except positive and negative ones.

Where Snap-In capacitors are used?

Some of the most common applications for snap-in capacitors to be used are:

• audio-visual equipment
• computers
• domestic appliances
• frequency converters
• switch mode power supplies
• welding machines

The ability to get a capacitor that can work in high voltage applications such as 400V, 450V and 500V in a compact size is just one of the reasons that this style is popular in these applications. The high reliability and low ESR ratings are also characteristics that make this style the right choice for many design engineers. These snap-in style capacitors, along with many other electronic components are in stock at www.tedss.com.