01-30-2023, 10:16 PM
The short answer is that the paper inside turns acidic and that causes the cap to start allowing DC voltage through, basically like a resistor.
The long answer is that depending on what material the capacitor is built from, they all degraded at a different rate. Some manufacturers had issue within a year of manufacturing. Others had capacitors that lasted for many years with no issue. A good seal is crucial. But all paper capacitors degrade with time. The paper turns acidic, and the capacitor starts to leak DC voltages through. They become part capacitor, part resistor.
The long answer is that depending on what material the capacitor is built from, they all degraded at a different rate. Some manufacturers had issue within a year of manufacturing. Others had capacitors that lasted for many years with no issue. A good seal is crucial. But all paper capacitors degrade with time. The paper turns acidic, and the capacitor starts to leak DC voltages through. They become part capacitor, part resistor.
