47F 100V Capacitor: Specifications, Selection, and Practical Applications (South Africa Guide)

Explore the specifications, common applications, and selection tips for 47F 100V capacitors. Discover SA-specific buying advice, example brands, and usage notes from Communica.

Published:January 21, 2026

5 min read

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Specs Demystified

Learn key parameters for 47F 100V capacitors, from ESR to ripple ratings.

Real-World Applications

See where 47F 100V capacitors are commonly used in SA circuits and projects.

Selection Advice

Practical tips for choosing and sourcing capacitors locally at Communica.

Overview: 47F 100V Capacitor Basics

A 47 microfarad (F), 100 volt (V) capacitor is a widely used passive component in South African electronics-seen in power supplies, audio circuits, automotive modules, and industrial controls. At its core, this capacitor stores electrical energy and helps stabilize voltage, filter signals, and buffer power. The '47F' denotes its capacitance, measuring how much charge it holds, while '100V' is the maximum safe voltage it can withstand before breakdown occurs.

South African Note: 47F 100V capacitors are readily available in various form factors and brands from Communica, with local pickup at Samrand and branch locations-ideal for makers, students, and technicians needing reliable supply and VAT invoicing.

Key Specifications Explained

Parameter	Typical Specification	What It Means
Capacitance	47F	Charge storage ability; higher = more smoothing
Rated Voltage	100V DC	Maximum sustained DC voltage
Tolerance	20% (typically)	Real-world value varies slightly from nominal
ESR	0.1-1.5Ohm (depends on type)	Equivalent Series Resistance, affects efficiency in AC filter circuits
Ripple Current	100-800mA (typical range)	How much AC current the cap can handle without overheating
Operating Temperature	-40 degreesC to +105 degreesC typical	Usable temperature range

Capacitor Types and Standards

Most 47F 100V capacitors are electrolytic (polarised, high capacitance/volume ratio), but you'll also find tantalum, film, and specialty types for niche uses. For general purpose, aluminium electrolytic is dominant. Always confirm lead spacing and size-popular types at Communica include radial, SMD, and snap-in form factors, with voltage derating margin for reliability in 220V AC South African distribution boards (allowing for voltage spikes).

Polarised: Electrolytic/tantalum (observe polarity)
Non-polarised: Some film/multilayer types
RoHS-compliant: Most modern stock, suitable for educational use

When to Use a 47F 100V Capacitor

These capacitors are chosen for medium-to-high voltage filtering and coupling roles: smoothing DC after rectification, decoupling power rails in audio, buffering small relays or switching circuits, and snubbing high-energy pulses in power and lighting systems. Typical applications in South Africa include:

DC power supply secondary smoothing in bench and lab supplies
Snubber/protection capacitors in inverter and VFD (variable frequency drive) boards
Audio output coupling for amplifier builds
Flash/strobe timing for automotive or alarm circuits
High-side decoupling in PLC enclosures and industrial panel work

Students often use 47F 100V capacitors in coursework, analog lab experiments, and as learning examples for parallel/series calculations and transient filtering.

How to Select the Right 47F 100V Capacitor

Selection Criteria

Voltage Margin: Always select a rated voltage at least 20-30% above your actual working voltage, especially in harsh South African supply environments with possible transients.
Ripple Current Rating: For regulated DC output or switching circuits, check ripple specs to prevent overheating. Example: If your design sees 250mA ripple, pick a capacitor rated for at least 300-350mA.
Package Size: Ensure physical fit in enclosures; popular lead spacings include 5mm, 7.5mm, and 10mm radial for through-hole, or SMD cases for compact builds.
Temperature Rating: Use +105 degreesC or higher for industrial/automotive or for projects exposed to summer garage heat.
Brand & Reliability: Seek reputable brands (e.g., Rubycon, Panasonic, Samwha, Nichicon, as stocked by Communica) for reduced failure rates in demanding settings.

Example Calculation: If you're filtering a 24V DC rail with load current swings of 0.5A, and expect voltage dips you want to keep under 2V, the required minimum capacitance (ignoring ESR losses) can be estimated using:
V = I x t / C
Where: V = allowable voltage dip, I = current change, t = time interval, C = capacitance. Rearranged: C = I x t / V. Plug your project scenario in to verify suitability.

Installation & Polarity

Always observe polarity-electrolytic capacitors will fail (occasionally with venting!) if installed backwards. In panel builds, align with the PCB's silkscreen or wiring diagram. Example ASCII wiring:

+ (Vcc) ---| |---< (Capacitor) >--- GND

For series/parallel combinations: Capacitors can be paralleled for higher capacitance (total C = C + C + ...), or series-wired for higher voltage (total V = V + V + ...; capacitance will decrease, C_total = 1/(1/C + 1/C)).

Troubleshooting & Testing Tips

Use a capacitance meter (commonly on DMMs) to check value after soldering
If powering up a repaired PSU or amplifier, 'reform' old capacitors gently to avoid inrush failures
Look for visible bulging, leakage, or ESR rise as signs of age or heat damage
For failed circuits: double-check polarity, voltage margin, and ripple rating against the schematic/current profile

SA Availability Note: Communica supplies a range of 47F 100V capacitors from reliable global brands, suitable for educational bulk, industrial repair, or prototyping. Lead times for in-stock lines are often 1-2 days for pickup in Samrand or local branches. For volume/longer lead items, request a quote for project pricing and VAT requirements.

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47F 100V Capacitor: Specifications, Selection, and Practical Applications (South Africa Guide)

Specs Demystified

Real-World Applications

Selection Advice

Communica South Africa

Overview: 47F 100V Capacitor Basics

Key Specifications Explained

Capacitor Types and Standards

When to Use a 47F 100V Capacitor

How to Select the Right 47F 100V Capacitor

Selection Criteria

Installation & Polarity

Troubleshooting & Testing Tips

Further Exploration & Related Links

Sources

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