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The Best Guide to Capacitor Code

 14134
Author: Kynix
Published: 2021-09-14 | Last Updated: 2021-09-14
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  • Contents

Ⅰ Introduction

When connected to a voltage source, capacitors are basic passive devices that can store an electrical charge on their plates. The capacitor, like a miniature rechargeable battery, has the ability or "capacity" to store energy in the form of an electrical charge, producing a potential difference (Static Voltage) across its plates.

 

Capacitors come in a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from tiny capacitor beads used in resonance circuits to enormous power factor correction capacitors, but they always store charge.

 

this video shows how capacitors work

 

Catalog

Ⅰ Introduction

Ⅱ Types of Capacitor

2.1 Dielectric Capacitor

2.2 Variable Capacitor Symbol

2.3 Film Capacitor Type

2.4 Axial Lead Type

2.5 Ceramic Capacitors

2.6 Electrolytic Capacitors

2.7 Aluminium Electrolytic Capacitors

2.8 Tantalum Electrolytic Capacitors

2.9 Frequently Asked Questions About Different Types Of Capacitor

Ⅲ The Capacitance of a Capacitor

3.1 SI Unit of Capacitance

3.2 μF vs. nF vs. pF

3.3 Frequently Asked Questions about the Capacitance of a Capacitor

Ⅳ Capacitor Conversion: µF-nF-pF 

4.1 Capacitor Conversion Chart

4.2 Popular Capacitor Conversions

4.3 Frequently Asked Questions about Capacitor Conversion

Ⅴ Capacitor Color Code

5.1 Capacitor Colour Code Tables

5.2 Color Codes of Different Capacitors

5.3 Frequently Asked Questions about Capacitor Color Code

Ⅵ Capacitor Code

6.1 Types of Capacitor Code

6.2 Frequently Asked Questions about Capacitor Code

Ⅶ Capacitor Code Calculator

7.1 Capacitor Safety Discharge Calculator Tool

7.2 Series and Parallel Capacitance Calculator

 

Ⅱ Types of Capacitor

From very small delicate trimming capacitors used in oscillator or radio circuits to enormous power metal-can type capacitors used in high voltage power correction and smoothing circuits, capacitors are available.

 

The dielectric used between the plates is commonly used to make comparisons between different types of capacitors. There are variable varieties of capacitors, just like resistors, that allow us to adjust their capacitance value for use in radio or "frequency tuning" circuits.

 

Metallic foil is interwoven with thin sheets of either paraffin-impregnated paper or Mylar as the dielectric material in commercial capacitors. Because the metal foil plates are rolled up into a cylinder to produce a compact box with the insulating dielectric material sandwiched in between, some capacitors resemble tubes.

 

Ceramic materials are frequently used to make small capacitors, which are subsequently sealed with epoxy resin. Capacitors play a crucial role in electronic circuits in any case, therefore here are a few of the most "common" capacitor types available.

 

2.1 Dielectric Capacitor

When a constant variation in capacitance is necessary for tuning transmitters, receivers, and transistor radios, dielectric capacitors are normally of the variable variety. Multi-plate air-spaced variable dielectric capacitors have a set of fixed plates (the stator vanes) and a set of movable plates (the rotor vanes) that move in between the fixed plates.

 

The overall capacitance value is determined by the position of the moving plates concerning the fixed plates. When the two sets of plates have entirely meshed together, the capacitance is usually at its highest. With breakdown voltages in the thousands of volts, high voltage tuning capacitors have relatively large spacings or air gaps between the plates.

 

2.2 Variable Capacitor Symbol

Trimmers are pre-set type variable capacitors that are available in addition to continuously variable varieties. These are typically small devices that may be modified or "pre-set" to a specific capacitance value with a small screwdriver, and are available in very low capacitances of 500pF or less, and are non-polarized.

 

variable capacitor symbol

variable capacitor symbol

 

2.4 Axial Lead Type

Long thin strips of thin metal foil with the dielectric material sandwiched between them are twisted into a tight roll and then sealed in paper or metal tubes for film and foil capacitors.

 

To lessen the possibility of tears or punctures in the film, these film types require a significantly thicker dielectric film and are thus better suited to lower capacitance values and bigger case sizes.

 

axial lead type

axial-lead-type

 

Metalized foil capacitors have the conductive film metalized sprayed directly onto each side of the dielectric, giving the capacitor self-healing capabilities and allowing thinner dielectric films to be used. For a given capacitance, this enables for larger capacitance values and smaller case sizes. Film and foil capacitors are typically employed in situations that require more power and precision.

 

2.5 Ceramic Capacitors

Ceramic capacitors, also known as Disc capacitors, are created by coating two sides of tiny porcelain or ceramic disc with silver and stacking them together to form a capacitor. A single ceramic disc of roughly 3-6mm is utilized for very low capacitance values. Ceramic capacitors have a high dielectric constant (High-K) and are available in tiny physical sizes, allowing for relatively high capacitances.

 

ceramic capacitor

ceramic capacitor

 

Because they are non-polarized and exhibit huge non-linear changes in capacitance with temperature, they are employed as de-coupling or by-pass capacitors. Ceramic capacitors range in size from a few picofarads to one or two microfarads, but their voltage ratings are often modest.

 

A three-digit code is usually inscribed on the body of ceramic capacitors to identify their capacitance value in pico-farads. The first two digits usually represent the capacitor's value, while the third digit represents the number of zeros to be added. A ceramic disc capacitor marked 103, for example, would indicate 10 and 3 zeros in pico-farads, which is equal to 10,000 pF or 10nF.

 

The numerals 104, for example, represent 10 and 4 zeros in pico-farads, which is comparable to 100,000 pF or 100nF, and so on. The digits 154 on the ceramic capacitor image above represent 15 and 4 zeros in pico-farads, which is comparable to 150,000 pF, 150nF, or 0.15F. To signify their tolerance value, letter codes are occasionally employed, such as J = 5%, K = 10%, M = 20%, and so on.

 

2.6 Electrolytic Capacitors

When very large capacitance values are required, electrolytic capacitors are typically utilized. Instead of employing a very thin metallic film layer for one of the electrodes, a semi-liquid electrolyte solution in the form of jelly or paste is employed (usually the cathode).

 

The dielectric is a very thin layer of oxide that is produced electrochemically in the manufacturing process and has a thickness of fewer than ten microns. Because the insulating layer is so thin, capacitors with a big capacitance value can be made in a small physical size because the distance between the plates, d, is so short.

 

electrolytic capacitor

electrolytic capacitor

 

The majority of electrolytic capacitors are polarized, which means that the DC voltage applied to the capacitor terminals must be of the correct polarity, i.e. positive to the positive terminal and negative to the negative terminal, or the insulating oxide layer will be broken down and permanent damage may result.

 

The polarity of all polarized electrolytic capacitors is indicated with a negative sign to signify the negative terminal, which must be followed.

 

Due to their huge capacitance and small size, electrolytic capacitors are commonly employed in DC power supply circuits to help reduce ripple voltage or for coupling and decoupling applications. Electrolytic capacitors have a low voltage rating, which means that they can't be utilized on AC supply because of their polarization. Aluminium Electrolytic Capacitors and Tantalum Electrolytic Capacitors are the two most common types of electrolytes.

 

2.7 Aluminium Electrolytic Capacitors

The plain foil type and the etched foil type are the two varieties of Aluminum Electrolytic capacitors. These capacitors have extremely high capacitance values for their size due to the thickness of the aluminum oxide coating and the high breakdown voltage.

aluminium electrolytic capacitor

aluminium electrolytic capacitor

 

A DC current is used to anodize the capacitor's foil plates. The polarity of the plate material is established during the anodizing process, which defines which side of the plate is positive and which side is negative.

 

The aluminum oxide on the anode and cathode foils has been chemically etched to increase surface area and permittivity, which makes the etched foil type different from the plain foil type. This results in a smaller capacitor than a normal foil type of comparable value, but it has the disadvantage of not being able to handle strong DC currents. Their tolerance range is also fairly high, reaching up to 20%. Capacitance values for aluminum electrolytic capacitors typically range from 1uF to 47,000uF.

 

Plain foil electrolytes are better suited as smoothing capacitors in power supply, while etched foil electrolytes are best employed in the coupling, DC blocking, and by-pass circuits. However, because aluminum electrolytes are “polarized” devices, inverting the applied voltage on the leads will damage the insulating layer within the capacitor, as well as the capacitor itself. The capacitor's electrolyte, on the other hand, aids in the healing of a damaged plate if the damage is minor.

 

The electrolyte has the power to re-anodize the foil plate since it can self-heal a damaged plate. The electrolyte can remove the oxide layer from the foil if the anodizing process is reversed, as it would if the capacitor was connected with reverse polarity. Because the electrolyte can conduct electricity, if the aluminum oxide layer is removed or destroyed, current can flow from one plate to the other, causing the capacitor to fail, "so be alert."

 

2.8 Tantalum Electrolytic Capacitors

Tantalum Electrolytic Capacitors and Tantalum Beads come in both wet (foil) and dry (solid) electrolytic varieties, with dry tantalum being the most prevalent. Solid tantalum capacitors have a second terminal of manganese dioxide and are physically smaller than analogous aluminum capacitors.

 

Tantalum oxide's dielectric characteristics are superior to those of aluminum oxide, resulting in reduced leakage currents and greater capacitance stability, making it ideal for blocking, by-passing, decoupling, filtering, and timing applications.

 

Tantalum capacitors, although being polarized, can withstand being linked to a reverse voltage considerably better than aluminum capacitors, but they are rated at much lower operating voltages. Solid tantalum capacitors are commonly employed in circuits with low AC voltages compared to DC voltages.

 

Some tantalum capacitors, on the other hand, comprise two capacitors in one, connected negative-to-negative to make a “non-polarized” capacitor for use in low voltage AC circuits. The positive lead of a tantalum bead capacitor is usually identifiable by a polarity mark on the capacitor body, which has an oval geometrical shape. Capacitance values typically vary from 47nF to 470F.

 

2.9 Frequently Asked Questions About Different Types Of Capacitor

1. Which type of capacitor is best?

Class 1 ceramic capacitors offer the highest stability and lowest losses. They have high tolerance and accuracy and are more stable with changes in voltage and temperature. Class 1 capacitors are suitable for use as oscillators, filters, and demanding audio applications.

 

2. Does the type of capacitor matter?

Yes, the type of capacitor can matter. Different types of capacitor have different properties. Some of the properties that vary between capacitor types: polarized vs unpolarized.

 

3. Are all capacitors the same?

Not all capacitors are created equal. Each capacitor is built to have a specific amount of capacitance. The capacitance of a capacitor tells you how much charge it can store, more capacitance means more capacity to store charge.

 

4. Which type of capacitor is known as Polarised capacitor?

Electrolytic Capacitors. The Electrolytic Capacitors are the capacitors which indicate by the name that some electrolyte is used in it. They are polarized capacitors which have anode + and cathode − with particular polarities. A metal on which insulating oxide layer forms by anodizing is called as an Anode.

 

5.Which capacitors are not polarized?

Ceramic, mica and some electrolytic capacitors are non-polarized. You'll also sometimes hear people call them "bipolar" capacitors. A polarized ("polar") capacitor is a type of capacitor that have implicit polarity -- it can only be connected one way in a circuit.

 

Ⅲ The Capacitance of a Capacitor

The Farad (abbreviated to F) is the unit of capacitance and is named after the British physicist Michael Faraday. Capacitance is the electrical property of a capacitor and is the measure of a capacitor's ability to store an electrical charge onto its two plates.

 

When a charge of One Coulomb is stored on the plates by a voltage of One volt, a capacitor has a capacitance of One Farad. It's worth noting that capacitance, or C, is always positive and has no negative units. However, because the Farad is a relatively big unit of measurement on its own, sub-multiples such as micro-farads, nano-farads, and pico-farads are commonly used.

 

3.1 SI Unit of Capacitance

Capacitors are a common type of electrical component, and their values are usually stated in microfarads, F (or uF if a micro character is not available), nanofarads, nF, or picofarads, pF.

 

Microfarad (μF)  1μF = 1/1,000,000 = 0.000001 = 10-6 F

Nanofarad (nF)  1nF = 1/1,000,000,000 = 0.000000001 = 10-9 F

Picofarad (pF) 1pF=1/1,000,000,000,000 = 0.000000000001 = 10-12 F

 

3.2 μF vs. nF vs. pF

Although most current circuits and component descriptions use the nomenclature F, nF, and pF to specify capacitor values, older circuit designs, circuit descriptions, and even the components themselves may employ a variety of non-standard acronyms that aren't always evident.

 

The following are the main changes for the various capacitance sub-multiples:

 

Micro-Farad, µF: Larger value capacitors, such as electrolytic capacitors, tantalum capacitors, and even some paper capacitors measured in micro-Farads, may have been labeled with uF, mfd, MFD, MF, or UF. All of these terms refer to the value in µF. Electrolytic and tantalum capacitors are commonly connected with this nomenclature.

 

Nano-Farad, nF: Because nF or nano-Farads nomenclature was not frequently used prior to terminology standardization, this submultiple lacked a variety of abbreviations. The term nanofarad has gained in popularity in recent years, while it is still not widely used in some countries, with values given in huge numbers of picofarads, such as 1000pF for 1 nF, or fractions of a microfarad, such as 0.001 µF for a nanofarad. Ceramic capacitors, metalized film capacitors, including surface mount multilayer ceramic capacitors, and even some modern silver mica capacitors all use this terminology.

 

Pico-Farad, pF: The value in picoFarads, pF, was again indicated using a variety of acronyms.  MicroromicroFarads, mmfd, MMFD, uff, µµFwere among the terms used. All of these numbers are in pF. Picofarad capacitor values are commonly employed in radio frequency, RF circuits, and equipment. As a result, this nomenclature is most commonly associated with ceramic capacitors, however, it is also applied to silver mica capacitors and some film capacitors.

 

The conversion of values from one submultiple to the next has been aided by the standardization of terminology. It has resulted in a significant reduction in the potential for misunderstanding. Converting from µF to nF and pF is simpler. This is important when a capacitor value is listed in one way on a circuit diagram and another way on a list of electronic components distributors.

 

Because different electrical component manufacturers label components differently, the capacitance conversion table is highly useful. For example, some manufacturers label their equivalent capacitors as a fraction of a microfarad, while others label them as a fraction of a nanofarad, and so on. Electrical component wholesalers and retailers will prefer to adopt the manufacturer's nomenclature.

 

Similarly, circuit diagrams may use different symbols to represent components to maintain commonality, etc. As a result, being able to convert between picofarads, nanofarads, and microfarads, as well as vice versa, is beneficial. When the bill of materials or parts list for the circuit has values expressed in microfarads, µF, and picofarads, pF, this can aid identify components labeled in nanofarad values.

 

It is generally useful to be able to utilize a capacitance conversion calculator like the one above, but it is also important to be familiar with the conversions and popular equivalents, such as 1000pF = nanofarad and 100nF = 0.1µF.

 

These conversions become second nature while working with electrical components and designing electronic circuits, but the capacitance conversion tables and calculators can still be quite useful. Capacitors, as well as other electronic components like inductors, benefit from these conversions.

 

3.3 Frequently Asked Questions about the Capacitance of a Capacitor

1. What is capacitance in simple terms?

Capacitance is the ability of a system of electrical conductors and insulators to store electric charge when a potential difference exists between the conductors. Capacitance is expressed as a ratio of the electrical charge stored to the voltage across the conductors.

 

2.What is C in capacitance?

The capacitance C is the ratio of the amount of charge q on either conductor to the potential difference V between the conductors, or simply C = q/V.

 

3.What is difference between capacitor and capacitance?

Capacitance is nothing but the ability of a capacitor to store the energy in form of electric charge. In other words, the capacitance is the storing ability of a capacitor. It is measured in farads.

 

4.What is the formula of capacitor?

The governing equation for capacitor design is: C = εA/d, In this equation, C is capacitance; ε is permittivity, a term for how well dielectric material stores an electric field; A is the parallel plate area; and d is the distance between the two conductive plates.

 

5.What four factors affect capacitance?

The capacitance of a capacitor is affected by the area of the plates, the distance between the plates, and the ability of the dielectric to support electrostatic forces.

 

Ⅳ Capacitor Conversion: µF-nF-pF 

capacitor conversion: µF-nF-pF

 

The use of the nanofarad (nF) is less common in some fields, with values stated in fractions of a µF and huge multiples of picofarads (pF). When components marked in nanofarad are available, it may be necessary to convert to nanofards, nF in these circumstances.

 

When a circuit diagram or electronic components list mentions the value in picofarads, for example, and listings for an electronic component distributor or electronic components store state it in another way, it can be confusing.

 

Capacitor values can be in the 109 range or even higher, thanks to the introduction of supercapacitors. The common prefixes pico (10-12), nano (10-9), and micro (10-6) are often used to avoid misunderstanding with high numbers of zeros connected to the values of different capacitors. When converting between them, a capacitor conversion chart or capacitor conversion table for the various capacitor values can be useful.

 

Another requirement for capacitance conversion is that the actual capacitance value is reported in picofarads in some capacitor marking systems, therefore the value must be converted to the more common nanofarads or microfarads.

 

4.1 Capacitor Conversion Chart

Microfarads ( µF) Nanofarads(nF) Picofarads(pF)
0.000001 0.001 1
0.00001 0.01 10
0.0001 0.1 100
0.001 1 1000
0.01 10 10000
0.1 100 100000
1 1000 1000000
10 10000 10000000
100 100000 100000000

Capacitor values can be written in a few different ways. A ceramic capacitor, for example, is frequently assigned a value of 100nF. It is often interesting to realize that this is 0.1µF when utilized in circuits with electrolytic capacitors. These handy conversions can aid in the design, construction, and maintenance of circuits.

 

When building circuits or employing capacitors in any fashion, keeping these capacitor conversions in mind when values migrate from picofarads to nanofarads and then nanofarads to microfarads is typically beneficial.

 

A more comprehensive table of conversion factors to convert between the different values, nF to pF, µF to nF etc is given below.

Table of Conversion Factors to Convert between µF,nF and pF 
convert multiply by:
pF     to     nF 1 x 10-3
pF     to     µF 1 x 10-6
nF     to     pF 1 x 103
nF     to     µF 1 x 10-3
µF     to     pF 1 x 106
µF     to     nF 1 x 103

 

4.3 Frequently Asked Questions about Capacitor Conversion

1. Can I replace a capacitor with a higher uF?

An electric motor start capacitors can be replaced with a micro-farad or UF equal to or up to 20% higher UF than the original capacitor serving the motor.

 

2.What happens if I use a higher uF capacitor?

The higher the number of micro-farads, the more energy the capacitor can hold. In theory, if a device has a high uF, it will last longer in a power outage.

3.What happens if you use the wrong size capacitor?

If the wrong run capacitor is installed, the motor will not have an even magnetic field. This will cause the rotor to hesitate at those spots that are uneven. This hesitation will cause the motor to become noisy, increase energy consumption, cause performance to drop, and cause the motor to overheat.

 

4.Can I replace a capacitor with a lower capacitance?

Yes, it's possible given the necessary skills and tools. Yes, it's safe. The only rating that matters for safety is the rated voltage: if you put a higher voltage than the maximum you might see your cap explode.

 

5.Can I use a run capacitor in place of a start capacitor?

The capacitance and voltage ratings would have to match the original start capacitor specification. A start capacitor can never be used as a run capacitor, because it cannot not handle current continuously.

 

Ⅴ Capacitor Color Code

5.1 Capacitor Colour Code Tables

When the capacitance value is a decimal value, problems with the marking of the "Decimal Point" arise since it is easily overlooked, leading to a misunderstanding of the real capacitance value. Instead of the decimal point, letters like p (pico) or n (nano) are used to indicate the position and weight of the number.

 

A capacitor might be labeled as n47 = 0.47nF, 4n7 = 4.7nF, or 47n = 47nF, for example. Also, capacitors are occasionally labeled with the capital letter K to indicate a value of one thousand pico-Farads, thus a capacitor marked 100K would be 100 x 1000pF or 100nF.

 

An International color-coding scheme was devised many years ago as a simple manner of identifying capacitor values and tolerances to reduce the confusion regarding letters, numbers, and decimal points. The Capacitor Colour Code system, which consists of colored bands (in spectral order) and whose meanings are given below, is a system that consists of colored bands (in spectral order).

 

Band Colour Digit A Digit B Multiplier D Tolerance (T) > 10pf Tolerance (T) < 10pf Temperature Coefficient (TC)
Black 0 0 x1 ± 20% ± 2.0pF  
Brown 1 1 x10 ± 1% ± 0.1pF -33×10-6
Red 2 2 x100 ± 2% ± 0.25pF -75×10-6
Orange 3 3 x1,000 ± 3%   -150×10-6
Yellow 4 4 x10,000 ± 4%   -220×10-6
Green 5 5 x100,000 ± 5% ± 0.5pF -330×10-6
Blue 6 6 x1,000,000     -470×10-6
Violet 7 7       -750×10-6
Grey 8 8 x0.01 +80%,-20%    
White 9 9 x0.1 ± 10% ± 1.0pF  
Gold     x0.1 ± 5%    
Silver     x0.01 ± 10%    

Capacitor Colour Code Table

 

Band Colour Voltage Rating (V)
  Type J Type K Type L Type M Type N
Black 4 100   10 10
Brown 6 200 100 1.6  
Red 10 300 250 4 35
Orange 15 400   40  
Yellow 20 500 400 6.3 6
Green 25 600   16 15
Blue 35 700 630   20
Violet 50 800      
Grey   900   25 25
White 3 1000   2.5 3
Gold   2000      
Silver          

Capacitor Voltage Colour Code Table

 

Capacitor Voltage Reference

Type J–  Dipped Tantalum Capacitors.

Type K–  Mica Capacitors.

Type L–  Polyester/Polystyrene Capacitors.

Type M–  Electrolytic 4 Band Capacitors.

Type N–  Electrolytic 3 Band Capacitors.

 

5.2 Color Codes of Different Capacitors 

1.Metalised Polyester Capacitor

 

metalized polyester capacitor

 

2. Disc & Ceramic Capacitor

 

disc & ceramic capacitor

 

For many years, unpolarized polyester and mica molded capacitors were coded using the Capacitor Colour Code system. Although this color coding method is no longer in use, many “old” capacitors can still be found. Small capacitors, such as film or disk kinds, now comply with the BS1852 Standard and its new replacement, BS EN 60062, which replaces the colors with a letter or number coding system.

 

5.3 Frequently Asked Questions about Capacitor Color Code

1. What do capacitor colors mean?

All the color bands painted on the capacitors body are used to indicate the capacitance value and capacitance tolerance. The color codes used to represent the capacitance values and capacitance tolerance is similar to that used to represent resistance values and resistance tolerance.

 

2.How do you read a capacitor code?

If you have a capacitor that has nothing other than a three-digit number printed on it, the third digit represents the number of zeros to add to the end of the first two digits. The resulting number is the capacitance in pF. For example, 101 represents 100 pF: the digits 10 followed by one additional zero.

 

3.Which type of capacitor is available in color code?

A color code was used on polyester capacitors for many years. It is now obsolete, but of course there are many still around. The colors should be read like the resistor code, the top three color bands giving the value in pF. Ignore the 4th band (tolerance) and 5th band (voltage rating).

 

4.Are capacitors color coded?

The capacitors use a capacitor color code similar to the resistors color code (3, 4 or 5 bands). The first two colors indicate significant digits of the value of the capacity (in pF), the next colour is the corresponding power of 10, the other two colors are optional and indicate tolerance and maximum voltage.

 

Ⅵ Capacitor Code

6.1 Types of Capacitor Code

For example, a capacitor labeled 474J should be read as 47 times the value listed in Table 1 corresponding to the third number, in this case, 10000: 47 * 10000 = 470000 pF = 470 nF = 0.47µF, with the J indicating a 5% tolerance. If a temperature coefficient is present, the second letter will be it. You'll rapidly learn to tell whether a capacitor's value is expressed in pF, nF, or µF based on its size and kind.

 

The capacitance of a capacitor designated 2A474J is encoded as mentioned above; the two initial signs are the voltage rating, which can be decoded from table 2 below. According to the EIA standard, 2A is a 100V DC rating.

 

Some capacitors are only marked 0.1 or 0.01, mostly in these cases the values are given in µF.

 

Some small capacitance capacitors contain an R between the numbers, such as 3R9, which indicates that the value is less than 10pF and has nothing to do with resistance. 3R9 has a 3.9pF value.

 

Table 1 – Capacitor codes with letters and tolerances

3rd number Multiply with Letter Tolerance
0 1 D 0.5pF
1 10 F 1%
2 100 G 2%
3 1,000 H 3%
4 10,000 J 5%
5 100,000 K 10%
6 1,000,000 M 20%
7 Not used M 20%
8 0.01 P

+100%/-0%
9 0.1 Z

+80%/-20%

 

Table 2A – Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) – DC voltage code table

0E = 2.5 VDC 2A = 100 VDC 3A = 1 kVDC
0G = 4.0 VDC 2Q = 110 VDC 3L = 1.2 kVDC
0L = 5.5 VDC 2B = 125 VDC 3B = 1.25 kVDC
0J = 6.3 VDC 2C = 160 VDC 3N = 1.5 kVDC
1A = 10 VDC 2Z = 180 VDC 3C = 1.6 kVDC
1C = 16 VDC 2D = 200 VDC 3D = 2 kVDC
1D = 20 VDC 2P = 220 VDC 3E = 2.5 kVDC
1E = 25 VDC 2E = 250 VDC 3F = 3 kVDC
1V = 35 VDC 2F = 315 VDC 3G = 4 kVDC
1G = 40 VDC 2V = 350 VDC 3H = 5 kVDC
1H = 50 VDC 2G = 400 VDC 3I = 6 kVDC
1J = 63 VDC 2W = 450 VDC 3J = 6.3 kVDC
1M = 70 VDC 2J = 630 VDC 3U = 7.5 kVDC
1U = 75 VDC 2I = 650 VDC 3K = 8 kVDC
1K = 80 VDC 2K = 800 VDC  

 

Table 2B – Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) – AC voltage code table

2Q = 125 VAC 2T = 250 VAC 2S = 275 VAC
2X = 280 VAC 2F = 300 VAC I0 = 305 VAC
L0 = 350 VAC 2Y = 400 VAC P0 = 440 VAC
Q0 = 450 VAC V0 = 630 VAC  

 

Table 3 – Capacitor code table

pico-farad (pF) nano-farad (nF) micro-farad (µF)  Capacitor Code
1 pF capacitor code 0.001 nF capacitor code 0.000001 µF capacitor code 10
1.5 pF capacitor code 0.0015 nF capacitor code 0.0000015 µF capacitor code 1R5
2.2 pF capacitor code 0.0022 nF capacitor code 0.0000022 µF capacitor code 2R2
3.3 pF capacitor code 0.0033 nF capacitor code 0.0000033 µF capacitor code 3R3
3.4 pF capacitor code 0.0039 nF capacitor code 0.0000039 µF capacitor code 3R9
3.5 pF capacitor code 0.0047 nF capacitor code 0.0000047 µF capacitor code 4R7
5.6 pF capacitor code 0.0056 nF capacitor code 0.0000056 µF capacitor code 5R6
6.8 pF capacitor code 0.0068 nF capacitor code 0.0000068 µF capacitor code 6R8
8.2 pF capacitor code 0.0082 nF capacitor code 0.0000082 µF capacitor code 8R2
10 pF capacitor code 0.01 nF capacitor code 0.00001 µF capacitor code 100
15 pF capacitor code 0.015 nF capacitor code 0.000015 µF capacitor code 150
22 pF capacitor code 0.022 nF capacitor code 0.000022 µF capacitor code 220
33 pF capacitor code 0.033 nF capacitor code 0.000033 µF capacitor code 330
47 pF capacitor code 0.047 nF capacitor code 0.000047µF capacitor code 470
56 pF capacitor code 0.056 nF capacitor code 0.000056 µF capacitor code 560
68 pF capacitor code 0.068 nF capacitor code 0.000068 µF capacitor code 680
82 pF capacitor code 0.082 nF capacitor code 0.000082 µF capacitor code 820
100 pF capacitor code 0.1 nF capacitor code 0.0001 µF capacitor code 101
120 pF capacitor code 0.12 nF capacitor code 0.00012 µF capacitor code 121
130 pF capacitor code 0.13 nF capacitor code 0.00013µF capacitor code 131
150 pF capacitor code 0.15 nF capacitor code 0.00015 µF capacitor code 151
180 pF capacitor code 0.18 nF capacitor code 0.00018 µF capacitor code 181
220 pF capacitor code 0.22 nF capacitor code 0.00022 µF capacitor code 221
330 pF capacitor code 0.33 nF capacitor code 0.00033 µF capacitor code 331
470 pF capacitor code 0.47 nF capacitor code 0.00047 µF capacitor code 471
560 pF capacitor code 0.56 nF capacitor code 0.00056 µF capacitor code 561
680 pF capacitor code 0.68 nF capacitor code 0.00068 µF capacitor code 681
750 pF capacitor code 0.75 nF capacitor code 0.00075 µF capacitor code 751
820 pF capacitor code 0.82 nF capacitor code 0.00082 µF capacitor code 821
1000 pF capacitor code 1 / 1n / 1 nF capacitor code 0.001 µF capacitor code 102
1500 pF capacitor code 1.5 / 1n5 / 1.5 nF capacitor code 0.0015 µF capacitor code 152
2000 pF capacitor code 2 / 2n / 2 nF capacitor code 0.002 µF capacitor code 202
2200 pF capacitor code 2.2 / 2n2 / 2.2 nF capacitor code 0.0022 µF capacitor code 222
3300 pF capacitor code 3.3 / 3n3 / 3.3 nF capacitor code 0.0033 µF capacitor code 332
4700 pF capacitor code 4.7 / 4n7 / 4.7 nF capacitor code 0.0047 µF capacitor code 472
5000 pF capacitor code 5 / 5n / 5 nF capacitor code 0.005 µF capacitor code 502
5600 pF capacitor code 5.6 / 5n6 / 5.6 nF capacitor code 0.0056 µF capacitor code 562
6800 pF capacitor code 6.8 / 6n8 / 6.8 nF capacitor code 0.0068 µF capacitor code 682
10000 pF capacitor code 10 / 10n / 10 nF capacitor code 0.01 µF capacitor code 103
15000 pF capacitor code 15 / 15n / 15 nF capacitor code 0.015 µF capacitor code 153
22000 pF capacitor code 22 / 22n / 22 nF capacitor code 0.022 µF capacitor code 223
33000 pF capacitor code 33 / 33n / 33 nF capacitor code 0.033 µF capacitor code 333
47000 pF capacitor code 47 / 47n / 47 nF capacitor code 0.047 µF capacitor code 473
68000 pF capacitor code 68 / 68n / 68 nF capacitor code 0.068 µF capacitor code 683
100000 pF capacitor code 100 / 100n / 100 nF capacitor code 0.1 µF capacitor code 104
150000 pF capacitor code 150 / 150n / 150 nF capacitor code 0.15 µF capacitor code 154
200000 pF capacitor code 200 / 200n / 200 nF capacitor code 0.20 µF capacitor code 204
220000 pF capacitor code 220 / 220n / 220 nF capacitor code 0.22 µF capacitor code 224
330000 pF capacitor code 330 / 330n / 330nF capacitor code 0.33 µF capacitor code 334
470000 pF capacitor code 470 / 470n / 470nF capacitor code 0.47 µF capacitor code 474
680000 pF capacitor code 680 nF capacitor code 0.68 µF capacitor code 684
1000000 pF capacitor code 1000 nF capacitor code 1.0 µF capacitor code 105
1500000 pF capacitor code 1500 nF capacitor code 1.5 µF capacitor code 155
2000000 pF capacitor code 2000 nF capacitor code 2.0 µF capacitor code 205
2200000 pF capacitor code 2200 nF capacitor code 2.2 µF capacitor code 225
3300000 pF capacitor code 3300 nF capacitor code 3.3 µF capacitor code 335
4700000 pF capacitor code 4700 nF capacitor code 4.7 µF capacitor code 475
6800000 pF capacitor code 6800 nF capacitor code 6.8 µF capacitor code 685
10000000 pF capacitor code 10000 nF capacitor code 10 µF capacitor code 106
15000000 pF capacitor code 15000 nF capacitor code 15 µF capacitor code 156
20000000 pF capacitor code 20000 nF capacitor code 20 µF capacitor code 206
22000000 pF capacitor code 22000 nF capacitor code 22 µF capacitor code 226
33000000 pF capacitor code 33000 nF capacitor code 33 µF capacitor code 336
47000000 pF capacitor code 47000 nF capacitor code 47 µF capacitor code 476
68000000 pF capacitor code 68000 nF capacitor code 68 µF capacitor code 686
100000000 pF capacitor code 100000 nF capacitor code 100 µF capacitor code 107
330000000 pF capacitor code 330000 nF capacitor code 330 µF capacitor code 337
470000000 pF capacitor code 470000 nF capacitor code 470 µF capacitor code 477
680000000 pF capacitor code 680000 nF capacitor code 680 µF capacitor code 687
1000000000 pF capacitor code 1000000 nF capacitor code 1000 µF capacitor code 108

6.2 Frequently Asked Questions about Capacitor Code

1. What is the code of a capacitor?

Generally, the actual values of Capacitance, Voltage or Tolerance are marked onto the body of the capacitors in the form of alphanumeric characters. For example, a capacitor can be labeled as, n47 = 0.47nF, 4n7 = 4.7nF or 47n = 47nF and so on.

 

2.What does the numbers on a capacitor mean?

The first two numbers represent the value in picofarads, while the third number is the number of zeroes to be added to the first two. For example, a 4.7 μF capacitor with a voltage rating of 25 volts would bear the marking E476.

 

3.What is the value of a capacitor?

Capacitor values can be of over 109 range, and even more as super capacitors are now being used. To prevent confusion with large numbers of zeros attached to the values of the different capacitors the common prefixes pico (10 -12 ), nano (10 -9) and micro (10 -6) are widely used.

 

4.How can you determine the value of a capacitor?

The value of capacitors can be determined by several ways depending up on the type of capacitor like electrolytic, disc, film capacitors, etc. These methods include value or number printed on the body of the capacitor or color coding of the capacitor.

 

5.How can I determine the capacitance of an unknown capacitor?

To determine an unknown capacitance using an oscilloscope , a dc power source such as a 9-V battery, a known resistance, a switch and the capacitor are all connected in series. An oscilloscope probe tip and ground lead are connected across the capacitor. Additionally, you need a short wire jumper to shunt across the capacitor.

 

Ⅶ Capacitor Code Calculator

7.1 Capacitor Safety Discharge Calculator Tool

This Capacitor Safety Discharge Calculator helps to determine the discharge rate of a capacitor at known capacitance and charge through a fixed-value resistor. Enter the initial voltage, time, resistance, and capacitance into the calculator. The calculator will display the total voltage discharged and remaining. Many factors need to be considered when choosing a discharge resistor. Safety standards require the voltage across a capacitor to reach a safe voltage before a person is able to touch it. In the USA, standards such as UL, OSHA, NTA, ETL, MET, etc. will have the requirements available for the needs of your product.

Capacitor Safety Discharge Calculator Tool

 

7.2 Series and Parallel Capacitance Calculator

This tool calculates the overall capacitance value for multiple capacitors connected either in series or in parallel.

Series and Parallel Capacitance Calculator

 

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