11-22-2012, 11:23 PM
I never killed a cap in my life and I've been practicing for 43 years. Killed few transistors though and a few chips. The only caps I saw killed died on their own free will, such as SMT ceramics or tantalums - they love to burn when solder-stressed or from infant mortality.
No matter which type, as long as it is film, it matters not. Choose the one that fits the best to the form factor of the space. I don't buy those with short leads, usually they are line filter types, as they are inconvenient to solder and lead-form. They are good for PCBs. Not for resoring old radios.
With electrolytic caps I do try to buy better ripple-current if possible without overpaying much; they at least in theory will last longer.
No matter which type, as long as it is film, it matters not. Choose the one that fits the best to the form factor of the space. I don't buy those with short leads, usually they are line filter types, as they are inconvenient to solder and lead-form. They are good for PCBs. Not for resoring old radios.
With electrolytic caps I do try to buy better ripple-current if possible without overpaying much; they at least in theory will last longer.