IEC 60384-11:2008

Overview

IEC 60384-11:2008 is the IEC sectional specification for fixed direct-current (d.c.) capacitors that use a polyethylene-terephthalate (PET) film dielectric with thin metal foil electrodes. It applies to capacitors for use in electronic equipment with rated voltages up to 6 300 V (with additional tests/requirements possible for >1 000 V). The third edition (2008) updates the earlier 1988 edition and defines preferred ratings, characteristics, and the applicable quality-assessment and test procedures derived from IEC 60384-1.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Scope and intent
  • Covers fixed PET-film, metal-foil d.c. capacitors intended for electronic equipment.
  • Excludes radio‑interference suppression capacitors (see IEC 60384-14).
• Preferred ratings & characteristics
  • Defines preferred capacitance values, tolerances, rated and category voltages, and rated temperatures to promote standardization.
• Quality assessment procedures
  • Selects appropriate procedures from IEC 60384-1: qualification approval, lot-by-lot inspection, primary manufacturer controls and certification records.
  • Detail specifications referencing this sectional spec must use equal or more severe test levels - lower levels are not permitted.
• Test and measurement methods
  • Electrical tests: voltage proof, capacitance measurement, tangent of loss angle (tan δ), insulation resistance.
  • Environmental and mechanical tests: climatic sequence, damp heat (steady/cyclic), rapid temperature change, vibration, shock, bump, endurance.
  • Termination and assembly tests: robustness of terminations, solderability, resistance to soldering heat.
• Information for detail specifications
  • Requires outline drawings, mounting details, ratings/characteristics and marking information to be specified where relevant.

Applications and Who Uses This Standard

• Practical use:
  • Ensures consistent performance, reliability and interchangeability of PET-film metal-foil d.c. capacitors across electronics applications (power supplies, instrumentation, industrial controls, telecom equipment).
• Typical users:
  • Capacitor manufacturers and product engineers developing PET-film d.c. capacitors.
  • Design and application engineers specifying components for electronic and power-electronics systems.
  • Test laboratories and quality/ compliance teams performing conformity assessment and type approval.
  • Procurement and supply-chain managers needing clear product requirements and acceptance criteria.

Related Standards

• IEC 60384-1 - Generic specification for fixed capacitors for electronic equipment
• IEC 60384-14 - Capacitors for radio interference suppression (excluded here)
• IEC 60062, IEC 60063, IEC 60068-1, IEC 60410, ISO 3 - referenced for marking codes, preferred numbers and environmental testing

Keywords: IEC 60384-11:2008, PET film capacitors, fixed d.c. capacitors, metal-foil capacitors, capacitor standards, capacitor testing, quality assessment.