I have a question about a capacitors % tolerances

Smart Bomb

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Are the uf% tolerances the same for identical caps values but have different different brand names?

For example say a 100uf 16 volt had a +/- of 5% for brand x.....will the same cap values for brands y & z have the same +/- %5?

or do the %'s vary from brand to brand?
 
Last edited:
they vary.

electrolytic caps are 20% as a standard but you can get other percentages. the biggest variations come in the metalized film type of caps.
 
The percent is just the variation in the value. Different manufacturers have different specks. So 5% of 100uf is just +/- 5uf for example
 
tolerances in caps, resistors, and pretty much anything inside the arcade games we work on are mostly irrelevant...

the tolerance specs only matter on sensitive stuff, military electronics, medical, etc...
 
tolerances in caps, resistors, and pretty much anything inside the arcade games we work on are mostly irrelevant...

the tolerance specs only matter on sensitive stuff, military electronics, medical, etc...

Im asking the question because im testing all of my spare caps laying around and ditching the bad ones based on uf% values.
 
Last edited:
For electrolytics, out-of-spec ESR is more important.
If testing your caps, then this should be considered.
 
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