HomeCap capacitors for Power Factor Correction

B32340C….Jxxx

MKP series

Cautions and warnings

In case of dents of more than 2 mm depth or any other mechanical damage, capacitors must not

be used at all.

To ensure the full functionality of the overpressure disconnector, elastic elements must not be

hindered and a minimum space of 5 cm has to be kept above each capacitor.

Do not handle the capacitor before it is discharged to max. 10% of rated voltage.

Resonance cases must be avoided by appropriate application design in any case.

Handle capacitors carefully, because they may still be charged even after disconnection due to

faulty discharging devices.

Protect the capacitor properly against over current and short circuit.

Failure to follow cautions may result, worst case, in premature failures, bursting and fire.

Discharging

Capacitors must be discharged to a maximum of 10% of rated voltage before they are switched in

again. This prevents an electric impulse discharge in the application, influences the capacitor’s

service life and protects against electric shock. The capacitor must be discharged to 75 V or less

within 3 minutes. There must be not any switch, fuse or any other disconnecting device in the circuit

between the power capacitor and the discharging device. PoleCap capacitors have a pre-mounted

ceramic discharge module; alternatively discharge reactors are available from EPCOS. Discharge and

short circuit capacitor before handling!

Service life expectancy

Electrical components do not have an unlimited service life expectancy; this applies to self-healing

capacitors too. The maximum service life expectancy may vary depending on the application the

capacitor is used in.

Safety

Ensure good, effective grounding for capacitor enclosures.

Provide means of disconnecting and insulating a faulty component/bank.

Handle capacitors carefully, because they may still be charged even after disconnection due to

faulty discharging devices.

The terminals of capacitors, connected bus bars and cables as well as other devices may also be

energized.

Follow good engineering practice.

Overcurrent and short circuit protection

Use HRC fuses or MCCBs for short circuit protection. Short circuit protection and connecting

cables should be selected so that 1.5 times the rated capacitor current can be permanently

handled.

HRC fuses do not protect a capacitor against overload

- they are only for short circuit protection.

The HRC fuse rating should be 1.6 to 1.8 times rated capacitor current.

Do not use HRC fuses to switch capacitors (risk of arcing).

Use thermal magnetic overcurrent relays for overload protection.

FK PFC R&D

September 2005

Please read the Cautions and warnings and

Page 7 of 10

the Important notes at the end of this document