IEC 60384-17:2005

IEC 60384-17:2005 - Overview

IEC 60384-17:2005 is the sectional specification for fixed metallized polypropylene film dielectric a.c. and pulse capacitors used in electronic equipment. This second edition (2005) replaces the 1987 edition with minor revisions to tables, figures and references. The standard covers capacitors with metallized electrodes (including mixed foil/metallized constructions) that may exhibit self‑healing behaviour and are intended primarily for alternating voltage and pulse applications. Key numeric limits in the scope include a maximum reactive power of 10 000 var, a maximum peak voltage of 3 000 V, and a capacitance upper boundary of 20 µF for the devices addressed.

Key topics and requirements

The standard selects and defines preferred ratings, characteristics and quality procedures from the IEC 60384 series to ensure consistent performance for AC/pulse film capacitors. Main topics include:

• Preferred ratings and values (capacitor ratings, tolerances and preferred combinations)
• Performance grades: Grade 1 (long‑life) and Grade 2 (general application)
• Quality assessment procedures: primary manufacture, lot release, qualification approval, and periodic/lot-by-lot inspection
• Test and measurement methods, for example:
  • Visual examination and dimensional checks
  • Electrical tests (capacitance, loss angle/tan δ, insulation resistance)
  • Robustness of terminations, solderability and resistance to soldering heat
  • Environmental and mechanical tests: rapid temperature change, vibration, shock, bump, climatic sequence, damp heat and endurance
  • Charge/discharge and solvent resistance tests
• Marking, detail specification content and required normative references

The document prescribes that any detail specification referring to this sectional specification must meet equal or higher test severities and performance levels.

Applications and who uses this standard

IEC 60384-17 is relevant for:

• Capacitor manufacturers and component engineers specifying metallized polypropylene film capacitors for AC and pulse use
• Design engineers in power electronics, pulse circuits, inverter/filter design and power factor applications
• Quality assurance teams and test laboratories performing component qualification and lot acceptance
• Purchasing and compliance officers ensuring components meet international capacitor standards

This standard helps ensure reliability, safe operating voltages, and predictable behaviour (including self‑healing) in applications requiring film capacitors under AC or pulse stresses.

Related standards

• IEC 60384‑1 - Generic specification for fixed capacitors
• IEC 60384 series (other part numbers for film, foil and electrolytic types)
• IEC 60068‑1 - Environmental testing: general guidance
• IEC 60063 - Preferred number series for resistors and capacitors
• IEC 60384‑14 - Capacitors for electromagnetic interference suppression (excluded from Part 17)

Keywords: IEC 60384-17:2005, metallized polypropylene film capacitors, AC capacitors, pulse capacitors, capacitor test methods, self‑healing capacitors, capacitor standard.