How much voltage is considered a high-voltage capacitor?

In the field of electronic components, high-voltage capacitors usually refer to capacitors with a rated voltage exceeding 100V. This definition is not absolute, but based on a comprehensive consideration of industry conventions, application scenarios, and security regulations. The following is a specific analysis:
1、 Industry conventions and standards
International standards:
In standards such as IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), capacitors with a rated voltage of ≥ 100V are usually classified as high-voltage capacitors.
For example, in IEC 60384-14 (Safety Standard for Fixed Capacitors), there are clear regulations on the withstand voltage test and insulation requirements for high-voltage capacitors.
Domestic standards:
In Chinese national standards (such as GB/T 14472-2018), the definition of high-voltage capacitors is consistent with IEC, which means the rated voltage is ≥ 100V.
2、 Application scenarios and voltage requirements
Power transmission and industrial equipment:
High voltage direct current transmission (HVDC): It needs to withstand thousands of volts (such as ± 800kV) to ensure efficient energy transmission.
Industrial power supplies, such as welding machines and laser cutting equipment, require a withstand voltage of several hundred volts to several thousand volts to adapt to high voltage pulses.
New energy vehicles:
Battery Management System (BMS): High voltage capacitors are used for voltage balancing, with a rated voltage typically ranging from 450V to 800V.
Motor controller: It needs to withstand hundreds of volts of voltage to ensure stable operation of the drive system.
Aerospace and Military:
Satellite power module: capable of withstanding thousands of volts and adapting to extreme space environments.
Missile guidance system: It needs to withstand high voltage pulses to ensure signal integrity.
3、 Difference between capacitor type and high voltage definition
Ceramic capacitors:
High voltage ceramic capacitors usually refer to products with a rated voltage of ≥ 100V, such as the 1206 package (3.2mm × 1.6mm), which can achieve a capacity of 10 μ F/50V.
Electrolytic capacitor:
The rated voltage of high-voltage electrolytic capacitors can reach 450V~600V, and they are used in industrial power supplies, new energy vehicles, and other fields.
Thin film capacitors:
High voltage film capacitors can have a rated voltage of several thousand volts, such as polypropylene film capacitors used in power electronic equipment.
4、 Safety regulations and certification requirements
Safety standards:
High voltage capacitors need to pass safety certifications such as UL and CE to ensure that their withstand voltage and insulation performance meet specifications.
For example, UL 1414 (capacitor safety standard) has strict requirements for high-voltage capacitor withstand voltage testing and temperature rise.
Design considerations:
High voltage capacitors require the use of special materials (such as high-purity ceramic powder, high-voltage resistant electrolytes) and processes (such as multi-layer winding, laser welding) to enhance their voltage resistance.
Voltage coefficient (capacity attenuation under high voltage), partial discharge and other effects need to be considered in the design to ensure long-term stability.
5、 Summary: Definition Logic of High Voltage Capacitors
General standard: Rated voltage ≥ 100V.
Application scenarios: power transmission, industrial equipment, new energy vehicles, and other fields.
Capacitor types: Ceramic, electrolytic, and thin-film capacitors all have high-voltage products.
Safety regulations: UL, CE and other certifications are required to ensure voltage resistance and insulation performance.
Based on the above analysis, the definition of high-voltage capacitors needs to be combined with industry standards, application scenarios, and safety regulations. For users, when choosing high-voltage capacitors, it is necessary to comprehensively evaluate product performance and reliability based on specific needs (such as voltage level, capacity, size) and safety certification requirements.