IEC 60384-14:2005

INTERNATIONAL IEC
STANDARD 60384-14
QC 302400
Third edition
2005-07
Fixed capacitors for use in
electronic equipment –
Part 14:
Sectional specification:
Fixed capacitors for electromagnetic
interference suppression and connection
to the supply mains
Reference number
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60000 series. For example, IEC 34-1 is now referred to as IEC 60034-1.
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edition numbers 1.0, 1.1 and 1.2 refer, respectively, to the base publication, the
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INTERNATIONAL IEC
STANDARD 60384-14
QC 302400
Third edition
2005-07
Fixed capacitors for use in
electronic equipment –
Part 14:
Sectional specification:
Fixed capacitors for electromagnetic
interference suppression and connection
to the supply mains
 IEC 2005  Copyright - all rights reserved
No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from the publisher.
International Electrotechnical Commission, 3, rue de Varembé, PO Box 131, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 22 919 02 11 Telefax: +41 22 919 03 00 E-mail: inmail@iec.ch Web: www.iec.ch
PRICE CODE
Commission Electrotechnique Internationale
XA
International Electrotechnical Commission
Международная Электротехническая Комиссия
For price, see current catalogue

– 2 – 60384-14  IEC:2005(E)
CONTENTS
FOREWORD ……………………………………………………………………………………………….3

1 General .7
1.1 Scope.7
1.2 Object .7
1.3 Normative references .7
1.4 Information to be given in a detail specification .8
1.5 Terms and definitions .9
1.6 Marking .15
2 Preferred ratings and characteristics.16
2.1 Preferred characteristics.16
2.2 Preferred values of ratings.16
3 Assessment procedures.17
3.1 Primary stage of manufacture .17
3.2 Structurally similar components .17
3.3 Certified records of released lots.17
3.4 Approval testing.17
3.5 Quality conformance Inspection .27
4 Test and measurement procedures .30
4.1 Visual examination and check of dimensions .30
4.2 Electrical tests.30
4.3 Robustness of terminations.33
4.4 Resistance to soldering heat.34
4.5 Solderability .34
4.6 Rapid change of temperature .34
4.7 Vibration.35
4.8 Bump .35
4.9 Shock.36
4.10 Container sealing .36
4.11 Climatic sequence .36
4.12 Damp heat, steady state .38
4.13 Impulse voltage .38
4.14 Endurance.40
4.15 Charge and discharge.42
4.16 Radiofrequency characteristics .43
4.17 Passive flammability test .43
4.18 Active flammability test .44
4.19 Component solvent resistance (if applicable).46
4.20 Solvent resistance of the marking .46

Annex A (normative) Circuit for the impulse voltage test .47
Annex B (normative) Circuit for the endurance test .48
Annex C (normative) Circuit for the charge and discharge test .49

60384-14  IEC:2005(E) – 3 –
Annex D (normative) Declaration of design (confidential to the manufacturer and the
certification body) .50
Annex E (informative) Pulse test circuits .51
Annex F (normative) Particular requirements for safety test of surface mounting
capacitors.53
Annex G (informative) Capacitance ageing of fixed capacitors of ceramic dielectric,
Class 2.56

– 4 – 60384-14  IEC:2005(E)
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
FIXED CAPACITORS FOR USE IN ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT –

Part 14: Sectional specification:
Fixed capacitors for electromagnetic interference suppression
and connection to the supply mains

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with an IEC Publication.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 60384-14 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 40:
Capacitors and resistors for electronic equipment.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 1993 and amendment 1
(1995). It constitutes a technical revision. All changes that have been agreed upon can be
categorized as minor revisions.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
40/1552/FDIS 40/1586/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.

60384-14  IEC:2005(E) – 5 –
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
IEC 60384 consists of the following parts, under the general title Fixed capacitors for use in
electronic equipment:
Part 1: Generic specification
Part 2: Sectional specification: Fixed metallized polyethylene-terephthalate film dielectric
d.c. capacitors
Part 3: Sectional specification: Fixed tantalum chip capacitors
Part 4: Sectional specification: Aluminium electrolytic capacitors with solid and non-solid
electrolyte
Part 5: Sectional specification: Fixed mica dielectric d.c. capacitors with a rated voltage
not exceeding 3 000 V - Selection of methods of test and general requirements
Part 6: Sectional specification: Fixed metallized polycarbonate film dielectric d.c.
capacitors
Part 7: Sectional specification: Fixed polystyrene film dielectric metal foil d.c. capacitors
Part 8: Sectional specification: Fixed capacitors of ceramic dielectric, Class 1
Part 9: Sectional specification: Fixed capacitors of ceramic dielectric, Class 2
Part 11: Blank detail specification: Fixed polyethylene-terephthalate film dielectric metal
foil d.c. capacitors – Assessment level E
Part 12: Sectional specification: Fixed polycarbonate film dielectric metal foil d.c.
capacitors
Part 13: Sectional specification: Fixed polypropylene film dielectric metal foil d.c.
capacitors
Part 14: Sectional specification: Fixed capacitors for electromagnetic interference
suppression and connection to the supply mains
Part 15: Sectional specification: Fixed tantalum capacitors with non-solid or solid
electrolyte
Part 16: Sectional specification: Fixed metallized polypropylene film dielectric d.c.
capacitors
Part 17: Sectional specification: Fixed metallized polypropylene film dielectric a.c. and
pulse capacitors
Part 18: Sectional specification: Fixed aluminium electrolytic chip capacitors with solid and
non-solid electrolyte
Part 19: Sectional specification: Fixed metallized polyethylene-terephthalate film dielectric
chip d.c. capacitors
Part 20: Sectional specification: Fixed metallized polyphenylene sulfide film dielectric chip
d.c. capacitors
Part 21: Sectional specification: Fixed surface mount multilayer capacitors of ceramic
dielectric, Class 1
Part 22: Sectional specification: Fixed surface mount multilayer capacitors of ceramic
dielectric, Class 2
– 6 – 60384-14  IEC:2005(E)
The QC number that appears on the front cover of this publication is the specification number in the
IEC Quality Assessment System for Electronic Components (IECQ).
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the maintenance result date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in
the data related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed;
• withdrawn;
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
A bilingual version of this standard may be issued at a later date.

60384-14  IEC:2005(E) – 7 –
FIXED CAPACITORS FOR USE IN ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT –

Part 14: Sectional specification:
Fixed capacitors for electromagnetic interference suppression
and connection to the supply mains

1 General
1.1 Scope
This part of IEC 60384 applies to capacitors and resistor-capacitor combinations which will be
connected to an a.c. mains or other supply with nominal voltage not exceeding 1 000 V a.c.
(r.m.s.) or 1 000 V d.c. and with a nominal frequency not exceeding 100 Hz.
1.2 Object
The principal object of this standard is to prescribe preferred ratings and characteristics and
to select from IEC 60384-1, the appropriate quality assessment procedures, tests and
measuring methods and to give general performance requirements for this type of capacitor.
Test severities and requirements prescribed in detail specifications referring to this sectional
specification shall be of equal or higher performance level, lower performance levels not
being permitted.
A further object of this standard is to provide a schedule of safety tests to be used by national
testing stations in countries where approval by such stations is required.
1.3 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document.
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition
of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
IEC 60060-1, High-voltage test techniques – Part 1: General definitions and test requirements
IEC 60063, Preferred number series for resistors and capacitors
IEC 60068-1, Environmental testing – Part 1: General and guidance
IEC 60068-2-17, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests – Test Q: Sealing
IEC 60335-1, Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Part 1: General
requirements
IEC 60384-1, Fixed capacitors for use in electronic equipment – Part 1: Generic specification
IEC 60384-14-4, Fixed capacitors for use in electronic equipment – Part 14: Blank detail
specification: Fixed capacitors for electromagnetic interference supply and connection to the
supply mains – Assessment level D
IEC 60664-1, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests
IEC 60760, Flat, quick-connect terminations

– 8 – 60384-14  IEC:2005(E)
IEC 60940, Guidance information on the application of capacitors, resistors, inductors and
complete filter units for radio interference suppression
IEC 61140, Protection against electric shock – Common aspects for installation and
equipment
CISPR 17, Methods of measurement of the suppression characteristics of passive radio
interference filters and suppression components
IEC QC 001005, IEC Quality Assessment System for Electronic Components (IECQ) –
Register of Firms, Products and Services approved under the IECQ System, including
ISO 9000
ISO 7000-DB , Graphical symbols for use on equipment – Index and synopsis
1.4 Information to be given in a detail specification
Detail specifications shall be derived from the relevant blank detail specification.
Detail specifications shall not specify requirements inferior to those of the generic, sectional
or blank detail specification. When more severe requirements are included, they shall be
listed in 1.9 of the detail specification, and indicated in the test schedules, for example, by an
asterisk.
The following information shall be given in each detail specification and the values quoted
shall preferably be selected from the appropriate clause of this sectional specification.
NOTE The information given in 1.4.1 may for convenience be presented in tabular form.
1.4.1 Outline drawing and dimensions
There shall be an illustration of the capacitor as an aid to easy recognition and for comparison
of the capacitor with others. Dimensions and their associated tolerances, which affect
interchangeability and mounting, shall be given in the detail specification. All dimensions shall
preferably be stated in millimetres; however, when the original dimensions are given in
inches, the converted metric dimensions in millimetres shall be added.
Normally, the numerical values shall be given for the length, width and height of the body and
the wire spacing, or for cylindrical types, the body diameter and the length and diameter of
the terminations. When necessary, for example when a number of capacitance values/voltage
ranges are covered by a detail specification, their dimensions and their associated tolerances
shall be placed in a table below the drawing.
When the configuration is other than that described above, the detail specification shall state
such dimensional information as will adequately describe the capacitor. When the capacitor is
not designed for use on printed boards, this shall be clearly stated in the detail specification.
1.4.2 Mounting
The detail specification shall specify the method of mounting to be applied for normal use and
for the application of the vibration, bump or shock tests. The capacitors shall be mounted by
their normal means. The design of the capacitor may be such that special mounting fixtures
are required in its use. In this case, the detail specification shall describe the mounting
fixtures and they shall be used in the application of the vibration, bump or shock tests.
___________
DB refers to the ISO on-line database.

60384-14  IEC:2005(E) – 9 –
NOTE If recommendations for mounting for "normal" use are made, they should be included in the detail
specification under "1.8 Additional information (Not for inspection purposes)". If recommendations are included, a
warning can be given that the full vibration, bump and shock performance may not be available if mounting
methods other than those specified in 1.1 of the detail specification are used.
1.4.3 Ratings and characteristics
The ratings and characteristics shall be in accordance with the relevant clauses of this
specification, together with the following.
1.4.3.1 Rated capacitance range
See 2.2.1.
NOTE When products approved to the detail specification have different ranges, the following statement should
be added: "The range of values available in each voltage range is given in IEC QC 001005."
1.4.3.2 Rated resistance range (if applicable)
See 2.2.4.
1.4.3.3 Particular characteristics
Additional characteristics may be listed, when they are considered necessary to specify the
component adequately for design and application purposes.
1.4.4 Marking
The detail specification shall specify the content of the marking on the capacitor and on the
package. See also 1.6 of this specification.
1.5 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions of IEC 60384-1, as well as the
following, apply.
NOTE Some definitions of IEC 60384-1 have been expanded, and this is indicated by reference to this note.
1.5.1
a.c. capacitor
capacitor designed essentially for application with a power-frequency alternating voltage
NOTE AC capacitors may be used on d.c. supplies having the same voltage as the a.c. r.m.s. rated voltage of the
capacitor.
1.5.2
electromagnetic interference suppression capacitor (radio interference suppression
capacitor)
capacitor used for the reduction of electromagnetic interference caused by electrical or
electronic apparatus, or other sources
1.5.3
capacitor or RC unit of Class X
capacitor or RC unit of a type suitable for use in situations where failure of the capacitor or
RC unit would not lead to danger of electrical shock but could result in a risk of fire
Class X capacitors are divided into three subclasses (see Table 1) according to the peak
voltage of the impulses superimposed on the mains voltage to which they may be subjected in
service. Such impulses may arise from lightning strikes on outside lines, from switching in
neighbouring equipment, or switching in the equipment in which the capacitor is used.

– 10 – 60384-14  IEC:2005(E)
Table 1 – Classification of Class X capacitors
Subclass Peak impulse IEC 60664-1 Application Peak impulse voltage
voltage in installation
U applied before
p
service category
endurance test
X1 > 2,5 kV III High pulse
When C ≤ 1,0 µF
R
application
≤ 4,0 kV U = 4 kV
P
When C > 1,0 µF
R
U = kV
P
C
R
−6
10 F
X2 II General purpose
≤ 2,5 kV When C ≤ 1,0 µF
R
U = 2,5 kV
P
When C > 1,0 µF
R
2,5
U = kV
P
C
R
−6
10 F
X3 - General purpose None
≤ 1,2 kV
NOTE The factor used for the reduction of U for capacitance values above 1,0 µF maintains ½ × C U
P R P
constant for these capacitance values; C is in F.
R
1.5.4
capacitor or RC unit of Class Y
capacitor or RC unit of a type suitable for use in situations where failure of the capacitor could
lead to danger of electric shock
Class Y capacitors are further divided into four subclasses, Y1, Y2, Y3 and Y4, as shown in
Table 2.
Table 2 – Classification of Class Y capacitors
Subclass Type of insulation bridged Range of rated Peak impulse voltage
voltages before endurance test
Y1 Double insulation or reinforced 8,0 kV
≤ 500 V
insulation
Y2 Basic insulation or supplementary 5,0 kV
≥ 150 V
insulation
≤ 300 V
Y3 Basic insulation or supplementary None
≥ 150 V
insulation
≤ 250 V
Y4 Basic insulation or supplementary < 150 V 2,5 kV
insulation
NOTE 1 For definitions of basic, supplementary, double and reinforced insulation, see IEC 61140.
NOTE 2 Y2 capacitors may be substituted by Y1 capacitors of the same or higher U .
R
The enclosure of a Y1-capacitor shall not contain other components. Assemblies may be
constructed from Y-capacitors and X-capacitors provided these capacitors fulfil the
requirements for the relevant X and Y subclasses.
One Y-capacitor may bridge basic insulation. One Y-capacitor may bridge supplementary
insulation. If combined basic and supplementary insulations are bridged by two Y2-, Y3- or
Y4-capacitors in series, they shall have the same nominal value.
NOTE If insulated terminals are requested, the preferable colours should be transparent or white.

60384-14  IEC:2005(E) – 11 –
1.5.5
two-terminal capacitor
electromagnetic interference suppression capacitor having two terminals (see Figure 1)

IEC  925/05
Figure 1 – Two-terminal capacitor
1.5.6
series RC unit
functional combination of a resistor in series with a capacitor of Class X or Y (see Figure 2)

IEC  926/05
Figure 2 – RC unit
NOTE In this standard, where the word "capacitor" appears, the words "capacitor or RC unit" should be
understood where the context permits.
1.5.7
lead-through capacitor (coaxial)
capacitor with a central current-carrying conductor surrounded by a capacitor element which
is symmetrically bonded to the central conductor and to the outer casing to form a coaxial
construction.
It should be mounted coaxially (see Figure 3)

CentCentrralal c conduonduccttoror
ccaarryirrying sng supplupply y ccuurrerrentnt
Earthed circular
mounting flange
IEC  927/05
Figure 3 – Lead-through capacitor (coaxial)

– 12 – 60384-14  IEC:2005(E)
1.5.8
lead-through capacitor (non-coaxial)
capacitor in which the supply currents flow through or across the electrodes (see Figures 4a,
4b, 4c and 4d)
IEC  928/05
Figure 4a – Lead-through capacitor for symmetrical use (non-coaxial)

Earthed metal case IEC  929/05

Figure 4b – Lead-through capacitor for asymmetrical use (non-coaxial)

Earthed metal case
IEC  930/05
Figure 4c – Multiple unit lead-through capacitor (non-coaxial)
for symmetrical and asymmetrical use

IEC  931/05
Figure 4d – Multiple unit lead-through capacitor
Figure 4 – Lead-through capacitors

60384-14  IEC:2005(E) – 13 –
1.5.9
by-pass capacitor
capacitor where radiofrequency interference currents are by-passed. There are three common
forms: single, delta and T-connected. The single capacitor consists of a capacitor in a metal
case with one termination connected to the case as in Figure 5a; the delta form consists of an
X-capacitor and two Y2- or Y3-capacitors arranged in a delta network as in Figure 5b; the T-
connected form consists of three capacitors C , C and C connected in T as shown in Figure
A B C
5c.
The delta and T-connected forms are electrically equivalent (star-delta transformation). In the
T-connected form the X-capacitor is the result of the series connection of C – C and the
B C
Y-capacitors are the results of the series connections of C – C and C – C .
A B A C
When T-connected capacitors are submitted to tests, and it is stated that voltages shall be
applied across the X-capacitors, such voltages shall be applied between the line and neutral
terminations. Similarly, when it is stated that voltages shall be applied across the Y-
capacitors, such voltages shall be applied between the line and neutral terminations
connected together and the earth termination.

IEC  932/05
Figure 5a – Single by-pass capacitor

Y
X
Y
IEC  933/05
Figure 5b – Delta by-pass capacitor

L
C
A
C
B
C
C
N
IEC  934/05
Figure 5c – Example of a T-connected by-pass capacitor
NOTE For capacitors with non-metallic housings, the earth connection is brought out as a separate termination.
Figure 5 – By-pass capacitors
– 14 – 60384-14  IEC:2005(E)
1.5.10
rated voltage
either the r.m.s. operating voltage of rated frequency, or the d.c. operating voltage, which may
be applied continuously to the terminations of a capacitor at any temperature between the
lower and the upper category temperatures.
This implies, for capacitors covered by this specification, that the category voltage is the
same as the rated voltage
1.5.11
rated power (of a series RC unit)
maximum power which can be dissipated by the RC unit at the rated temperature during
continuous operation
1.5.12
upper category temperature
maximum surface temperature for which the capacitor has been designed to operate
continuously (see note to 1.5)
NOTE 1 For lead-through capacitors and series RC units, the external surface temperature can be affected by
internal heating due to the lead-through current. The terminations of a capacitor are considered to be part of the
external surface.
NOTE 2 This definition replaces that given in IEC 60384-1, 2.2.14, because suppression capacitors in accordance
with this specification are intended to be connected to the mains network and may have internal heat generation as
a result.
1.5.13
lower category temperature
minimum surface temperature for which the capacitor has been designed to operate
continuously (see note to 1.5)
NOTE This definition replaces that given in IEC 60384-1, 2.2.13 (see note 2 to 1.5.12 above).
1.5.14
rated temperature (of a lead-through capacitor or series RC unit)
maximum ambient temperature at which a lead-through capacitor can carry its rated lead-through
current or a series RC unit can dissipate its rated power
NOTE This definition replaces that in IEC 60384-1, 2.2.15 (see note 2 to 1.5.12 above).
1.5.15
insertion loss
ratio of the voltage before and after the insertion of the suppressor as measured at the
terminations
NOTE When measured in decibels, the insertion loss is 20 times the logarithm to base 10 of the ratio stated.
1.5.16
rated current of the conductors (lead-through capacitor)
maximum permissible current flowing through the conductors of the capacitor at the rated
temperature during continuous operation
1.5.17
main resonant frequency (two-terminal capacitor)
lowest frequency at which the impedance of the capacitor is a minimum when applying a
sinusoidal voltage
1.5.18
impulse voltage
aperiodic transient voltage of a defined waveform as described in IEC 60060-1

60384-14  IEC:2005(E) – 15 –
1.5.19
passive flammability
ability of a capacitor to burn with a flame as a consequence of the application of an external
source of heat
1.5.20
active flammability
ability of a capacitor to burn with a flame as a consequence of electrical loading
1.6 Marking
According to 2.4 of IEC 60384-1, with the following details.
The information given in the marking is normally selected from the following list; the relative
importance of each item is indicated by its position in the list:
a) manufacturer's name or trademark;
b) manufacturer's type designation or the type designation given in the detail specification;
c) capacitor class and subclass;
d) recognized approval mark;
e) rated capacitance(s) and rated resistance;
f) rated voltage and nature of supply (alternating voltage may be indicated by the symbol ~
and direct voltage by the symbol or  ;
g) the method of connection, if necessary;
h) rated current of the conductor (in the case of a lead-through capacitor);
i) tolerance on rated capacitance if different from ±20 %;
j) climatic category, followed by a letter indicating passive flammability category;
k) rated temperature;
l) year and month (or week) of manufacture;
m) reference to the detail specification.
1.6.1 The capacitor shall be clearly marked with a), b) and c) and also d), e) and f) if these
are not implied by b), and as many of the remaining items as are considered necessary by the
manufacturer. The marking shall be sufficient to enable a clear identification of the component
to be made.
NOTE For surface-mount components only a) and b) are mandatory (see Annex F).
It is recommended that a caution mark be printed on the pc board where a safety component
is mounted. The caution mark shall be ISO 7000-0434 (DB:2004-01). The mark is in the form
of an upright equilateral triangle containing an exclamation mark.
NOTE This caution mark is referred to in 5.3 of IEC 60065:2001.Any duplication of information in the marking on
the capacitor should be avoided.
1.6.2 The package containing the capacitor(s) shall be clearly marked with all the information
listed above. National approvals may be indicated by lettering as an alternative to the
approval mark.
1.6.3 Any additional marking shall be applied in such a way that no confusion can arise.

– 16 – 60384-14  IEC:2005(E)
2 Preferred ratings and characteristics
2.1 Preferred characteristics
The values given in detail specifications shall preferably be selected from the following.
2.1.1 Preferred climatic categories
The capacitors covered by this specification are classified into climatic categories according
to the general rules given in IEC 60068-1.
The lower and upper category temperature and the duration of the damp-heat steady-state
test shall be chosen from the following:
lower category temperature: -65 °C, -55 °C, -40 °C, -25 °C and -10 °C;
upper category temperature: +85 °C, +100 °C, +105 °C, +125 °C and +155 °C;
duration of the damp-heat steady-state test: 21 and 56 days.
The severities for the cold and dry-heat tests are the lower and upper category temperatures
respectively.
For guidance on the application of the categories described above, see IEC 60940.
2.2 Preferred values of ratings
2.2.1 Rated capacitance (C )
R
The preferred values of rated capacitance are:
1 – 1,5 – 2,2 – 3,3 – 4,7 – 6,8 and their decimal multiples.
These values conform to the E6 series of preferred values given in IEC 60063.
2.2.2 Tolerance on rated capacitance
The maximum tolerance on rated capacitance is ±20 %.
2.2.3 Rated voltage (U )
R
The preferred values of rated voltage are 125 V, 250 V, 275 V, 400 V, 440V, 500 V and
760 V.
NOTE 1 X-capacitors can be used in a star connect.
NOTE 2 Electromagnetic interference suppression capacitors should be chosen to have a rated voltage equal to,
or greater than, the nominal voltage of the supply system to which they are connected. The design of the
capacitors should take into account the possibility that the voltage of the system may rise by up to 10,% above its
nominal voltage.
2.2.4 Rated resistance (R )
R
Preferred values of rated resistance shall be taken from the E6 series of IEC 60063.

60384-14  IEC:2005(E) – 17 –
2.2.5 Rated temperature
The rated temperature for lead-through capacitors and series RC units shall be not less than
+40 °C.
2.2.6 Passive flammability
The minimum category of passive flammability permitted is Category C (see 4.17).
3 Assessment procedures
3.1 Primary stage of manufacture
For wound capacitors, the primary stage of manufacture is the winding of the capacitor
element. For single-layer ceramic capacitors, it is the metallization of the dielectric to form the
electrodes. For fixed multilayer ceramic capacitors, it is the first common firing of the
dielectric-electrode assembly. For other types of capacitor, it shall be the same as that given
in the sectional specification for the dielectric used.
3.2 Structurally similar components
Capacitors considered as being structurally similar are capacitors produced with essentially
the same processes and materials, though they may be of different case sizes and
capacitance values, but of the same class and rated voltage.
3.3 Certified records of released lots
The information required in 3.10 of IEC 60384-1 shall be made available when prescribed in
the detail specification and when requested by a customer. After the endurance test the
parameters for which variables information is required are capacitance change, resistance
change (for RC units), tan δ and insulation resistance.
3.4 Approval testing
3.4.1 Safety tests only approval
Tables 3 and 6 form a schedule limited to tests concerning safety only requirements. The
schedule to be used for safety tests only approval will be on the basis of fixed sample sizes
as given in 3.4.3 and Table 3 of this specification. Prior to the approval testing being carried
out, it is necessary to submit to the certification body a declaration of design (see Annex D)
registering essential data and basic design details of the capacitors for which approval is
sought.
3.4.2 Qualification approval
Tables 4, 5 and 7 shall be used when qualification approval is sought.
The procedures for qualification approval testing are given in the generic specification,
IEC 60384-1, 3.5, in which 3.5.3a) refers to lot-by-lot and periodic inspections. The schedules
to be used for qualification approval testing on the basis of lot-by-lot and periodic inspections
are given in 3.5 and Table 8 of this specification. The schedule to be used for qualification
approval testing on the basis of fixed sample sizes according to 3.5.3b) of IEC 60384-1 is
given in 3.4.3 and Tables 4 and 5 of this specification. For the two procedures, the sample
sizes and the number of permissible nonconforming items shall be of comparable order. The
test conditions and requirements shall be the same. Qualification approval according to the
fixed sample sizes of Tables 4 and 5 is preferred.

– 18 – 60384-14  IEC:2005(E)
3.4.3 Qualification approval on the basis of the fixed sample size procedure
3.4.3.1 Sampling
Capacitors of each technology, rated voltage, class and subclass shall be separately
qualified. The total number of capacitors of each rated voltage in each group is given in
Tables 3, 4 and 5. For multi-section capacitors containing sections of different classes and for
lead-through capacitors, larger numbers are required as indicated.
The sample shall contain equal numbers of specimens of the highest and lowest capacitance
values in the range to be qualified, except for the passive flammability test of 4.17 and the
active flammability test of 4.18. For the passive flammability test, the rules of sampling in
4.17, footnote f) to Table 3 and footnote i) to Table 4 shall be followed. For the active
flammability test, the rules of sampling in 4.18 shall be followed. For RC units, the sample of
highest capacitance values and the sample of the lowest capacitance values shall contain
each, as nearly as possible, equal number of resistors of the highest and lowest resistance
value in the range to be qualified. Where only one capacitance value is involved, the total
number of capacitors as stated in Tables 3, 4 and 5 shall be tested.
Spare specimens are permitted as follows:
a) one per capacitance value which may be used to replace the permitted nonconforming
item in Group 0;
b) the remainder of the spare specimens may be required, if it is necessary, to repeat any
test according to the provisions of footnote a) of either Tables 3 or 4.
The numbers given in Group 0 assume that all subgroups are applicable. If this is not so, the
numbers may be reduced accordingly.
When additional groups are introduced into the qualification approval test schedule, the
number of specimens required for Group 0 shall be increased by the same number as that
required for the additional groups.
Tables 3, 4 and 5 give the number of specimens to be tested in each group or subgroup
together with the permissible number of nonconforming items in each case.
Where a range of ceramic capacitors to be qualified consists of different temperature
coefficients or the range of capacitors employs significantly different materials, the samples
for Groups 2, 3 and 7 shall contain the specified quantity of specimens for each dielectric
material.
3.4.3.2 Tests
One of the complete series of tests indicated in Tables 3, 4 or 5 is required for the approval of
capacitors of a single rated voltage covered by one detail specification. The tests of each
group shall be carried out in the order given.
The whole sample shall be subjected to the tests of Group 0 and then subdivided for the other
groups.
A specimen found to be a nonconforming item during the tests of Group 0 shall not be used
for the other groups.
"One nonconforming item " is counted when a capacitor has not satisfied the whole or part of
the tests of a group.
60384-14  IEC:2005(E) – 19 –
Approval is granted when the number of nonconforming items does not exceed the specified
number of permissible nonconforming items for each group and subgroup and the total
number of permissible nonconforming items.
NOTE Tables 3 and 6 or 4, Tables 5 and 7 form the fixed sample size test schedule. Tables 3, 4 or 5 include the
details for the sampling and permissible nonconforming items for the different tests or groups of tests. Tables 6 or
7, together with the details of test contained in Clause 4, give a complete summary of test conditions and
performance requirements and indicate where, for test methods or conditions of test, a choice has to be made in
the detail specification.
The conditions of test and performance requirements for the fixed sample size schedule should be identical to
those prescribed in the detail specification for the quality conformance inspection.
Table 3 – Sampling plan – Tests concerning safety requirements only
Permitted number of
Number of
nonconforming items
Subclause specimens
per rated voltage
Group Test of this tested per
and subclass
specification rated voltage
and subclass
Per group Total
d) b)
Visual examination 4.1 28+12 + 1
e)
Capacitance 4.2.2 6 +
c) f)
Resistance 4.2.4 (6-18)
Voltage proof 4.2.1 +24
Insulation resistance 4.2.5
e)
Spares 14+6
Creepage distances and 4.1.1
clearances
a), b)
Robustness of terminations 4.3 6 0

1A
c)
Resistance to soldering heat 4.4

Solvent resistance of the 4.20

marking
a), b)
2 Damp heat, steady state 4.12 10 0

Impulse voltage 4.13
Endurance 4.14
d)
3 Class X and RC units 4.14.3 12
d) a), b)
Class Y and RC units 4.14.4 12 0
g) e)
Lead-through 4.14.5 6
f)
6 Passive flammability 4.17 6-18 0

7 Active flammability 4.18 24 0
a)
If one nonconforming item is obtained, all the tests of the group shall be repeated on a new sample and then
no further nonconforming items are permitted. The nonconforming items obtained in the first sample shall be
counted for the total nonconforming items perm
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