Quality Replacement For RIFA X2 Capacitor? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: pczeilon
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 13, 2022, 02:28:20 pm
content: My fine Swedish sewing machine filled my house with smoke today. It would appear that the RIFA capacitor across the AC power lines to the machine has released it's fury. My question is, what should I replace it with? I'm not really familiar with it's markings. I take it that "X2" denotes a "safety capacitor" & 100n puts it at 0.1uF? A search of "100n X2" on Mouser gives 5 pages of results. The pin spacing is 15mm so that narrows things down a bit. Seems Panasonic is a reliable brand that's easily obtained so I searched it and came with this:https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Panasonic/ECQ-UAAF104TA?qs=byeeYqUIh0O9XvojOxHAIw%3D%3D. Is this suitable? Am I over thinking this? What traits should I be looking for? Seems like there are 50 caps I could pick & they would all be better than what I have. Thanks for any help.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 13, 2022, 02:42:06 pm
content: QuoteYes, as well as any X2 or X1 rated 100n cap of appropriate dimensions.

author: pczeilon
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 13, 2022, 03:23:44 pm
content: Thank you. I assume that since this is a basic, low power appliance, used indoors, etc. I don't need to concern myself with all kinds of fancy traits?

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2022, 04:14:38 pm
content: Quote from: pczeilon on November 13, 2022, 03:23:44 pmNo, you do: it must be X1 or X2 rated, as wraper said.

author: Vovk_Z
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2022, 04:33:42 pm
content: Any X2 cap should be fine (better than old RIFA).

author: Benta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2022, 05:46:32 pm
content: I can recommend the TDK (previously EPCOS) B32922 series of X2 caps.https://www.tdk-electronics.tdk.com/inf/20/20/ds/X2_B32922_926_H_J.pdf

author: GLouie
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2022, 06:00:35 pm
content: I have a similar problem with a Revox tape recorder right now.Any X2 with the correct value, AC voltage rating or higher and lead spacing should be fine. The old caps may be metalized paper and modern devices are metalized polyproylene.I think Kemet bought Rifa, (if you want to avoid another Rifa), although they are probably as good as any now.

author: PixieDust
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2022, 06:19:42 pm
content: I replaced RIFA with new RIFA. Will be good enough for another 30 years. An option.

author: pczeilon
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 13, 2022, 06:31:41 pm
content: Thanks everyone. I understand the X2 designation now. I just figured if I'm paying less than a $1 + shipping I could splurge on a crazy expensive $2.50 cap for high humidity or something.Should I clean the board with anything where this thing spilled it's guts or is that not a concern? Mostly just sprayed the side of a ceramic capacitor. Man, that smell really lingers...

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 13, 2022, 07:12:06 pm
content: Quote from: GLouie on November 13, 2022, 06:00:35 pmIME RIFA from around 2005 still crack and explode. So I doubt they ever fixed them.

author: GLouie
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2022, 06:38:09 am
content: I remove the circuit board, remove the bad Rifas, and brush the board with isopropyl alcohol, letting it dribble into the trash. The smoke smell on the rest of the machine may be harder to remove. It should just take some effort with a rag and alcohol or perhaps a kitchen cleaner.Quote from: pczeilon on November 13, 2022, 06:31:41 pm

author: mariush
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2022, 07:29:10 am
content: You can also go for higher voltage rating.For example this one rated for 310v should also work :https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/cornell-dubilier-illinois-capacitor/104MKP275K/5343936.. and there's loads of others stocked in tens of thousands on Digikey.