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CAPACITORS FOR RFI
SUPPRESSION OF THE AC LINE:
BASIC FACTS

Fourth Edition

300 Tri-State International, Su. 375 Lincolnshire, IL 60069 847 948 9511

Table of Contents

The Need For RFI Suppression ........................................................................... 1
Filtering The AC Line ............................................................................................. 1
Safety Considerations ........................................................................................... 1
Conditions On The AC Line ................................................................................... 2
RFI Capacitor Agency Approvals ....................................................................... 2
United States (UL) .................................................................................................. 3
Canada (CSA) ......................................................................................................... 4
UL and CSA Cross–Licensing ................................................................................ 4
IEC (International) .................................................................................................. 4
European Community ............................................................................................. 4
EN132400 (IEC384-14) ........................................................................................ 5
Major Tests of EN132400 ...................................................................................... 5
X Capacitor Applications ........................................................................................ 5
Y Capacitor Applications ........................................................................................ 6
Performance Standards – IEEE587 (ANSI / IEEE C62.41) ............................. 7
Evaluating RFI Capacitors .................................................................................. 8
Withstanding Surges – Self Healing ........................................................................ 8
Stability ................................................................................................................. 10
Sourcing Considerations ....................................................................................... 10
Metallized Paper vs. Ceramic Y Capacitors.......................................................... 10
Evaluating an Impregnated Paper Y Capacitor ..................................................... 11
Evaluating a Ceramic Y Capacitor ........................................................................ 11
Application of Rifa RFI Capacitors .................................................................. 13

THE NEED FOR RFI SUPPRESSION
Various national agencies require that the level of RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) emitted by
most electrical equipment be limited. Frequencies above 30MHz tend to radiate directly from the
generating circuits, while those below 30MHz are usually conducted by the AC line and other
connections. These are capable of radiating (or receiving) RFI.
Filtering The AC Line
To meet the conducted RFI limits an AC input filter is usually required. The type varies widely
depending on the equipment. Where the interference is generated by a single source (such as a
commutating motor) it is best to locate the filter as close to the source as possible. If the
interference is widespread but contained in a metallic enclosure (such as in a switched-mode power
supply) the filter is best located at the AC cord entry point. Filtering is usually accomplished with
capacitors especially designed for AC use, often in conjunction with chokes or transformers of
various designs.
RFI is conducted on the AC line either symmetrically or asymmetrically. Symmetric interference
can be envisioned as a source connected between the main and neutral wires. A line-to-line
capacitor (designated as type X) properly applied is effective for this type. Asymmetric
interference is represented by a source between either main or neutral and chassis ground. A lineto-ground capacitor (type Y) provides filtering in this case.
While the X capacitor may be of any practical value, the Y capacitors generally must be kept to
small values to limit the 50/60Hz leakage current to ground. 4700pF is a typical Y capacitor value.
Common X capacitor values are 0.1 through 1.0µF. Sometimes even higher values are required
depending on the interference frequencies. In general, improved P.C. layout practices result in
smaller required capacitor values. Also, two X capacitors of smaller value are generally better,
especially in the pi-configuration with a choke.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
Due to their placement on the AC line a failed RFI suppression capacitor is capable of causing
injury either by shock or fire. The problem is exacerbated by conditions on the line. On a daily basis
the line conducts voltage surges and transients which often attain amplitudes of several kilovolts.
Because of the potential for injury the various safety agencies provide testing and recognition for
X and Y capacitors. It is interesting that while UL has standards for various line connected
devices including capacitors, they require a consumer product manufacturer to recommend that the appliance be unplugged while away from home! This is because TV and
appliance fires continue to occur due to line transients despite the standards. Specifying the
dielectric and characteristics of an RFI capacitor is as important as the required agency
approvals.

Page 1

Conditions On the AC Line
A European study by Unipede (a consortium of power producers) revealed the types of transients
found on the line:
Transient
Peak (kV)
80% of the total transients occur
more than 10 times per day

10
6kV

A
1.2kV

800V

C
400V

D
Time
0.1

100

1000µS

Types of Transients Found on the Line (see text for descriptions)

The four types are:
A = 0.1µS/6kV
Atmospheric interference such as lightning.
B = 60µS/1.2kV
Failure in the network or in nearby equipment, such as flashovers and fuse breakings.
C = 200µS/800V
On/off operation of equipment such as motors, air conditioning units, etc.
D = 1000µS/400V
Pulses from equipment such as welders, thyristors, triacs, etc.

80% of all transients have a duration between 1 and 10µS and amplitudes up to 1.2kV. These occur
more than 10 times per day. Assuming a lifetime of 10 years the RFI capacitors must withstand
over 30,000 such surges, as well as lesser numbers with amplitudes up to 6000 volts. The Unipede
data agrees with IEEE Std. 587 which recommends equipment be tested with a 6kV damped
sinusoid. IEEE 587 is discussed on page 7.

RFI CAPACITOR AGENCY APPROVALS
The various agency requirements for RFI capacitors have important differences, although the EC
has converged on a common standard. One must be careful in specifying RFI capacitors to avoid
being surprised when the final product is itself submitted for approval.

Page 2

United States (UL)
The United States actually does not have a national safety agency. Underwriters Laboratories
(UL) is a private corporation. Various federal and state laws require that electronic products be
listed with any Nationally Recognized Testing Lab (NRTL) of which UL is the most widely
known. NRTLs typically test end products to UL standards (plus those of other countries) and
very few test primary components such as capacitors. Therefore it is sufficient to discuss only UL.
UL was established over 100 years ago by a group of insurance companies to promote product
safety as a means of reducing insurance claims. Accordingly UL’s focus has generally been on
traditional consumer products. This is the case even today. For example, an RFI capacitor used
in a television receiver has very strict safety requirements established by UL. An RFI capacitor in
an electronic ballast has less stringent requirements. The same was true of RFI capacitors in
switched mode power supplies until UL adopted the IEC950 standard.
At the present time there are two UL standards related to RFI capacitors: UL1414 and UL1283.
UL1283 is actually a standard for potted RFI filters. The only meaningful reason to have UL1283
recognition for a capacitor is to demonstrate the capacitor’s ability to survive the tests that the filter
must undergo. UL1283 recognition of a capacitor is not required by any UL equipment standard.
The requirements are not very stringent, consisting primarily of a dielectric withstand test.
UL1414 is specifically required for television and radio receivers and certain telecommunications
equipment. The tests are quite stringent. A capacitor may be rated for either 125 or 250VAC
(nominal) at 85ºC. The requirements of UL1414 at 250VAC are summarized:
•

A 1500VAC dielectric withstand test for 1 minute.

•

Be subjected to 50 discharges from a cap charged to 10kV through a 1000Ω resistor, then
pass a 1kV dielectric withstand test.

•

A 1008H endurance test at +85ºC with an applied voltage of 440VAC 60Hz. Once per
hour, for 0.1S, the voltage is raised to 880VAC.

•

A passive flammability test.

•

An active flammability/expulsion test.

The UL requirements for RFI capacitors can be broken into four general categories:
Summary of UL Requirements for RFI Capacitors by Application
TV, radio and certain telecom equipment: UL1414 is required.
Capacitors employed in potted RFI filters: UL1283 is required.
Capacitors employed in power supplies for IEC950 applications (including those in potted RFI
filters): No UL standard applies. Capacitors must comply with the appropriate IEC standard.
RFI capacitors in other equipment: No UL standard applies. Capacitors are expected to survive
the equipment tests which may include overvoltage, dielectric withstand and abnormal temperature testing.

Page 3

Canada (CSA)
CSA requirements closely parallel that of UL, with CSA C22.2 No. 1 being equivalent to UL1414
and CSA C22.2 No. 8 being equivalent to UL1283. Although some details differ, the CSA
standards are applied in an equivalent manner to their UL counterparts.
UL and CSA Cross-Licensing
UL and CSA have entered into cross-licensing agreements on a wide variety of
standards. This means that UL can test and certify compliance to CSA standards
and vice-versa. For example one may have UL evaluate an RFI capacitor to the
requirements of UL1414 and CSA C22.2 No. 1. UL would then make tests
which conform to both standards including any differences which exist. Such a
capacitor would bear the standard UL mark and a new “cUL” mark. The latter
is fully accepted by CSA.

UL Mark

cUL Mark

IEC (International)
The IEC is an international body which can pass recommendations but does not in itself have
approval power in any country. The USA, Canada, Russia, Japan, most of Europe and many other
countries participate. While the North American RFI capacitor standards have traditionally been
unlike IEC recommendations this may change in the future. The impetus for change is the business
equipment standard IEC950 which has been adopted virtually worldwide. IEC950 has specific
requirements for RFI capacitors which are not met by any UL or CSA standard, even though UL
and CSA have themselves adopted IEC950 (as UL1950 and CSA C22.2 No. 950). UL and CSA
will allow an RFI capacitor that meets the European capacitor requirements.
The original IEC standard IEC384-14 defined three RFI capacitor classes. These were: Type Y
for line-to-ground use, type X2 for line-to-line in normal applications, and type X1 for stringent
line-to-line applications. In the pre-European unification days VDE and others adopted the
standard verbatim while the Nordic countries and Switzerland adopted a version with significant
variations. Since IEC384-14 was created a market need developed for increased safety of RFI
capacitors. This resulted in an updated version which was adopted by the European Community.
European Community
In an effort to reduce the costs of doing business across the borders of EC member nations the
European Community has unified the safety standards which were formerly different in every
country. One may now, for example, have a computer tested in only one member country and sell
it in all member countries. These unified, or “harmonized” standards are identified with an “EN”
designation. The European standard for business equipment (IEC950) is EN60950. Similarly the
standard for RFI capacitors (IEC384-14) is EN132400.
The EC has a different approach to RFI capacitor standards compared to UL and CSA. The EN
standard is quite different in its requirements and it is applied to all types of AC operated
equipment, not just a few select categories. Since most equipment is designed for worldwide use
the EN standard is important to North American designers as well as to Europeans.

Page 4

EN132400 (IEC384-14)
EN132400 defines a total of seven classes of RFI capacitor, three X classes and four Y classes.
The required class is determined by the equipment standards for the final product. For typical
business equipment and computers covered under EN60950 (IEC950) the applicable classes are
X2 and Y2.
Major Tests of EN132400
Active Flammability
The capacitor under test is connected to rated voltage
through a transformer and filter. 20 transients are then
introduced across the capacitor at random intervals while
rated voltage remains applied. The amplitude of the transient
is dependent on the class of capacitor. The capacitor may not
flame during this test.
Impulse Test
Up to 24 impulses are applied to the capacitors under test.
The amplitude of the impulse is dependent on the class of
capacitor. The impulse waveform is monitored. If the
waveform of any three successive impulses show that no
self healing has occurred the capacitor is considered to
have passed the test and no further transients are applied.
If self healings occur so that no three successive impulses
are free of self healings, a total of 24 impulses are applied.
If more than three transients total were free of self healings the capacitor is considered acceptable.
Endurance Test
The same capacitors which passed the impulse test are then placed in an oven at the maximum rated
temperature. The applied voltage is 1.7 times rated voltage for Y capacitors and 1.25 times rated
voltage for X capacitors. In addition, once every hour the voltage is increased to 1000VAC for
0.1 second. The endurance test continues for 1000 hours. Afterward the capacitors undergo a
dielectric withstand test and are then measured. If the changes in critical parameters are within
limits the capacitor is considered to be acceptable.
X Capacitor Applications
The class of X capacitor is determined by the equipment standard applicable to the device and the
“installation category,” meaning the type of connection to the AC line. These installation
categories are defined by IEC664. In general one encounters installation category II (connection
to ordinary wall outlets) and installation category III (connection to main power trunk lines within
a building). The X capacitor classes are covered in order of popularity.

Page 5

Class X2
The most common class of X capacitor as it covers applications using line voltages from 150 to
250VAC (nominal) which are plugged into ordinary wall outlets. In Europe this covers a lot of
ground: Computers, hair dryers, fax machines, hand power tools and so on. These capacitors are
impulse tested with 2.5kV if their value is 1.0µF or less. For larger values the impulse voltage is
2.5kV/√C (in µF).
Class X1
This class will be called for in installation category III applications such as for an industrial printer
or minicomputer which is connected to a 3-phase line. Industrial lighting ballasts can also fall into
this category. These capacitors are impulse tested with 4.0kV if their value is 1.0µF or less. For
larger values the impulse voltage is 4.0kV/√C (in µF).
Class X3
A general purpose category with no impulse test. To date no known equipment standard allows
the use of class X3 capacitors. It might be allowed in the future in devices which are never used
except under the supervision of an operator, for example in a hand power tool.
Y Capacitor Applications
IEC950 and other equipment standards define several grades of insulation which protect the end
user from electric shock. These are basic insulation, supplementary insulation, reinforced
insulation and double insulation. These categories are used for all types of insulating materials
which separate exposed conductive elements from dangerous voltages. This includes Y capacitors
which are allowed to bridge the insulation. Most commonly basic or supplementary insulation is
bridged by Y capacitors but in some applications the designer may desire to bridge reinforced or
double insulation.
EN132400 has four classes of Y capacitor which conform to the insulation grade being bridged
and line voltage used. In ordinary data processing equipment class Y2 is generally required when
bridging the AC primary to ground. Some applications such as bridging the DC side of the primary
to ground may require a Y1 type. All four classes are described in order of their popularity.
Class Y2
The most popular type. Such a capacitor is allowed to bridge basic and supplementary insulation
with line voltages up to 250VAC (nominal). This is the normal case for power supplies used in
data processing equipment. These capacitors are impulse tested with 5kV. (Those with previous
RFI experience will recognize this class as being similar to the old “class Y” with SEV approval.)
Class Y1
For bridging reinforced or double insulation. This is a new category. In Europe in the past one was
required to use two separate capacitors in series to bridge double insulation requirements. Now

Page 6

one class Y1 capacitor is allowed. These capacitors are impulse tested with 8kV and are suitable
for line voltages of up to 250VAC (nominal).
Class Y3
For bridging basic and supplementary insulation with line voltages up to 250VAC (nominal) but
without an impulse test. To date no known equipment standard allows the use of class Y3
capacitors, although it is presently being considered for use on the secondary side of a transformer.
As with the X3 it might also be allowed in the future in devices which are never used except under
the supervision of an operator.
Class Y4
For applications with line voltages up to 150VAC (nominal) with an impulse test of 2.5kV and
bridging basic and supplementary insulation. No known equipment standard yet allows the use of
Y4 capacitors.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS - IEEE587
(ANSI / IEEE C62.41)
Safety agency approvals do not insure product performance. Simply stated, equipment may fail
after a line transient provided it fails “safely.” The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
(IEEE) has answered the call for a performance specification. Passing the IEEE587 standard gives
reasonable assurance that equipment will survive a severe line transient. IEEE587 is of particular
interest to manufacturers of uninterruptable power supplies, surge protectors, lighting, computers
and terminals, business equipment and any others who wish to assure their customers of the
reliability of their product.
0.9 Vpeak

Vpeak=6kV

10µs
0.1 Vpeak
0.5µs

0.6 Vpeak

Surge Test Waveform Recommended by
IEEE 587 for Class A Devices

IEEE 587 is broken down into three categories. Class A is for equipment connected to long branch
circuits (such as a standard wall outlet). Class B is for short feeders and Class C is for devices
connected to the main panel or outside.

Page 7

Class A devices are by far the most common. The major component of the testing is the application
of a 6kV damped sinusoid to the AC input. This waveform is meant to simulate the ringing found
on long branches when lightning strikes the power line. Many manufacturers meet the standard
by incorporating up to three surge suppressors in the primary circuit. In some cases the surge
suppressors have been eliminated by specifying RFI capacitors made with impregnated
paper because they have been demonstrated to survive the 6kV transient.

EVALUATING RFI CAPACITORS
As with any component, the designer wishes an RFI capacitor to perform reliably throughout the
product’s lifetime. However even the strongest part may fail under a surge of sufficient energy.
An RFI capacitor must then fail in a safe manner. The potential for liability in event of shock or
fire requires that all devices connected to the AC line be carefully evaluated.
Withstanding Surges-Self Healing
There are three types of RFI capacitors commonly in use on the AC line. These are impregnated
metallized paper, metallized film and ceramic. The first two are categorized as “self healing” or
“clearing” while ceramic is not. The property of self healing, properly designed into a capacitor,
can extend its life while maintaining a small size and safe operation.

WEAK SPOT

METALLIZATION

DIELECTRIC

HEATED
MATERIAL

WEAK SPOT
REMOVED

Self Healing in a Metallized Capacitor

A self healing capacitor is designed to withstand a certain surge voltage. Beyond that the weakest
point in the dielectric may break down, resulting in an internal short. Because the current is
momentarily very high at the failure site the metallization melts away from the hole in the dielectric.
That area becomes isolated and will not cause a short again. As a successful self healing is very
small and of short duration the capacitor remains functional.
Self healing can either lengthen or shorten a capacitor’s life. If the capacitor begins to self heal at
too low a voltage the routine surges encountered on the line will eventually melt away a sizable
portion of the metallization. More importantly, conductive residue may be left behind. The
combination of many self healings and conductive residue can lead to a resistive short in the
capacitor. Such a condition may cause excessive leakage current to the chassis or overheating

Page 8

which can lead to destruction or even fire. This coincides with studies on TV fires which show that
the majority occur after the unit has been operated for some time.
Metallized Polyester
%

Metallized Paper (PME271)
Y Capacitors

X Capacitors

100
80
60
40
20
2

6 kV

10
kV

Percentage of Capacitors Without Detectable
Self Healings vs. Applied Voltage

It is therefore important to know when a capacitor begins to self heal. In general an impregnated
metallized paper capacitor will self heal at much higher voltages than a metallized film type. This
is because the entire winding is impregnated with epoxy, filling in any weaknesses and voids. A
film capacitor cannot be impregnated and therefore may be left with weak spots in the dielectric.
Multilayer windings and quality control will reduce the problem, but some weak spots may remain.
Therefore for a given value and physical size an impregnated paper capacitor will self heal at higher
voltages.
100

% Free Carbon
Polystyrene

80
Polycarbonate
60
Polypropylene
40

Polyester

20
Paper

Free Carbon Remaining After Self Healing For Various Dielectrics

The chance of a self healing causing a resistive short circuit is a function of the conductive residue,
specifically carbon, left behind. A low carbon content promotes successful self healing. A higher
content will gradually reduce the insulation resistance of the capacitor with each self healing.
Impregnated paper leaves the lowest percentage of carbon, followed by polyester. For this reason
RFI capacitors are constructed primarily of those two dielectrics. Note that all of these are

Page 9

metallized as opposed to film-foil capacitors. The self healing properties of metallized capacitors
makes them preferable over film-foil types in applications where high transients (such as those on
the AC line) are found.
Ceramic capacitors do not self heal. Therefore they must be constructed to survive surges as tested
by the various safety agencies. Should a transient on the line exceed the strength of the dielectric
it can fail in an unsafe manner (short circuit). Because of their construction ceramic RFI capacitors
can be larger than those made with impregnated paper.
Stability
The temperature and voltage stability of a capacitor is important, especially in a Y application. All
equipment subject to agency approvals has limits on the allowed leakage current to the chassis
ground. The permitted leakage generally ranges from 50µA in medical applications to 0.5mA in
business equipment. Higher leakages are usually not allowed so that in case of a ground
interruption operators are not exposed to excessive currents. Because of the normal conduction
of 60Hz in a Y capacitor its value is generally limited to 470pF in medical devices and 4700pF in
other applications. (Filters permanently installed with a rigid ground are allowed higher leakages.)
The leakage current should be evaluated throughout the temperature range and with all tolerance
errors identified. The factors which must be considered are:
Ceramic

Paper & Film

Tolerance in value
Temperature stability
AC voltage dependence
Aging

Tolerance in value
Temperature stability

Sourcing Considerations
While the temperature characteristics of impregnated paper and film capacitors from different
manufacturers are nearly identical, this is not true of ceramic capacitors. This is due to the origin
of the raw materials. The ceramic used in Y capacitors is “blended” from various compounds and
metals. Each manufacturer has its own processing technique so the temperature characteristics
vary even when the same ceramic type is listed in the catalogs.
Metallized Paper vs. Ceramic Y Capacitors
Because of their instability over time and with voltage, ceramic Y capacitors must be carefully
evaluated if the desired capacitance value results in leakage currents approaching the maximum
allowed value. The following analysis demonstrates one such case. In this example the maximum
value of ceramic Y capacitor that can be used is 3300pF. However the increased stability of the
impregnated metallized paper Y capacitor allows the use of 4700pF. Not only does the
metallized paper technology provide excellent self healing (instead of a possible short
circuit) but it can also allow the use of higher capacitance values.

Page 10

Evaluating an Impregnated Paper Y Capacitor
The important characteristics of a paper capacitor are the tolerance and temperature variation.
Take as an example the Rifa PME271Y. The tolerance is 20% and the temperature variation is
−5% at −25ºC, +6% at +85ºC. (The actual temperature range is −40 to +100ºC but these values
were chosen to conform to the range of typical ceramic capacitors.)
As an example a power supply designed to operate at either 125VAC 60Hz or 250VAC 50Hz will
be considered. The maximum allowable leakage current is 0.5mA. The Rifa capacitor maximum
value will be:
Cmax = Crated x 1.2(tol) x 1.06(temp)
The leakage current (at the upper voltage limit) is:
I = 0.5mA = 250(vac) x 2π x 50(Hz) x Crated x 1.2 x 1.06
Solving for Crated:
Crated =

5 x 10-4(amps)
250 x 2π x 50 x 1.2 x 1.06

= 5000pF
So any value under 5000pF can be considered acceptable. Assume therefore that a 4700pF
PME271Y is selected. Now the minimum expected value is calculated. The lower capacitance
limit will not have an effect on safety but does determine how effective the capacitor is at reducing
conducted RFI.
Cmin

= Crated x 0.8 x 0.95
= 3572pF

Evaluating A Ceramic Y Capacitor
The important characteristics of a ceramic capacitor are the tolerance, temperature variation, AC
voltage dependence and aging. Some assumptions must be made because complete data is not
readily available from the manufacturers. However tests were performed on ceramic capacitors
to establish realistic numbers. It would be wise to obtain the maximum temperature and AC
voltage dependence data from each approved manufacturer. A typical part has the following
characteristics:
Tolerance: 20%
Temperature variation +/-10%
Should be verified by measurement.

Page 11

AC voltage dependence: +33%
Many ceramic Y caps are specified at +5 VAC 1kHz even though the part will be exposed
to 250VAC 50Hz. The AC voltage dependence will vary by manufacturer and should be
considered for each. Of the two types measured, +33% is the lower value.
Aging: -7%
Using the established aging rate of −2% per decade in hours and ignoring the aging effect
in the first 10 hours after soldering. A lifetime of 6 years is assumed.
The maximum expected capacitance will be:
Cmax = Crated x 1.2(tol) x 1.1(temp) x 1.33(ac dep)
The leakage current is:
I = 0.5mA = 250 x 2π x 50 x Crated x 1.2 x 1.1 x 1.33
Solving for Crated:
Crated =

5 x 10-4
250 x 2π x 50 x 1.2 x 1.1 x 1.33

= 3626pF
One may therefore choose a standard value not greater than 3300pF. Using a 4700pF ceramic
capacitor (as is possible with impregnated paper) could cause some units to exceed the
leakage current limitation because of the temperature and voltage instability of ceramic
capacitors. The situation becomes far more critical in medical applications with a 50µA limit. The
stability of impregnated paper capacitors makes them ideal for Y applications.
To complete the analysis the minimum expected value is calculated:
Cmin = 3300pF x 0.8 x 0.9 x 1.33 x 0.93
= 2939pF
The results of the comparison are summarized:
Impregnated Paper

Ceramic

Max. standard value

4700pF

3300pF

Expected min. value

3572pF

2939pF

The impregnated paper capacitor will provide greater RFI protection for a given leakage
current specification.

Page 12

APPLICATION OF RIFA RFI CAPACITORS
Rifa RFI capacitors are available in several varieties according to their application, value and
agency approvals. Complete data may be found in the Evox-Rifa catalog.
RFI capacitors for IEC950 and other power supply applications:
Metallized paper (PME) types provide excellent self healing and flame retardancy for critical
applications. Metallized polyester (PHE) types meet safety agency requirements in an economical self healing design. X1 capacitors are also available but not listed here.
Type X2
PME285* 0.001 to 0.1µF
PME271M* 0.001 to 0.6µF
PHE830
0.01 to 2.2µF
PHE820*
0.01 to 2.2µF

Type Y2
PME289* 0.001 to 0.022µF
PME271Y 0.001 to 0.1µF

Type Y1
PME294* 470 to 4700pF

* Items also recognized according to UL1414 and C22.2 No.1, required in TV, radio and
certain telecom equipment in North America. These may be used as either X or Y capacitors
in UL1414 applications if the end product is sold only in North America.
Delta capacitors for IEC950 and other power supply applications:
Delta capacitors contain one X2 cap and two Y2 caps in a single package. Has worldwide
approvals to meet IEC950 requirements.
PZB300

X2 cap values: 0.1 and 0.15µF
Y2 cap values: 2200 and 4700pF

Metallized paper X2 capacitors for 440VAC applications:
Fully approved in Europe. (UL and CSA standards do not apply. This capacitor will satisfy
most equipment standards for North America.)
PME278

0.001 to 0.15µF

Metallized paper RFI and snubber capacitors without agency approvals:
Suitable for use in North America where agency approvals are not required on the capacitors,
including snubbing and other applications not on the AC line input.
PME260
125VAC
PME261K 220VAC
PME261E* 300VAC

PME261J*
PME264*

500VAC
660VAC

* Suitable for North American industrial applications (including on the AC line input) with
voltages greater than 250VAC. No requirement for UL and CSA approvals on the capacitors
at these voltages. Satisfies most equipment standards.
RC networks for snubbing and contact protection:
Series PMR in 125 and 250VAC models. A variety of R and C values, some with agency
approvals for various applications.

Page 13

Evox-Rifa, Inc. also manufactures a
complete line of radial lead film capacitors
for snubbing, pulse and DC applications,
and offers small DC brushless fans from
Shicoh Engineering.

300 Tri-State International, Su. 375 Lincolnshire, IL 60069 847 948 9511