That cheap capacitor I bought on Amazon let out the magic smoke after 2 months

I grabbed a 35uF capacitor for a microwave in Denver for like 8 bucks... figured it was the same as the name brand ones. First few weeks it ran fine but then the customer called me back saying the unit kept tripping the breaker. Pulled the board and that cap was bulging and leaking all over the place. Anyone else had bad luck with generic parts from online marketplaces?

2 comments

2 Comments

felix4789d ago

You ever try those no-name caps from online stores? I had the exact same issue with a batch of 10uF 450V caps I got for a power supply repair. They tested fine on my meter, but within about six weeks two of them were bulging and one had actually popped open. Now I stick with reputable brands from proper suppliers like DigiKey or Mouser, even if they cost a bit more. The peace of mind is worth it, especially for something like a microwave where you don't want to take chances.

-1

terry_hayes189d ago

My friend picked up a batch of 450V caps from a random eBay seller last year, and three of them were dead on arrival when he went to test them in his amp - @felix478, that peace of mind talk is exactly why I just stick with the big suppliers now too.