Ripple Current and Ambient Heat Can Accelerate Electrolytic-Capacitor Wear-Out

What the evidence preview establishes

The capacitor reached end of life after excessive internal heating and electrolyte loss. The evidence was consistent with excessive ripple current, excessive ambient temperature, or both accelerating ESR growth, core temperature, venting, and final capacitance loss.

Why this case matters

Evaluate electrolytic-capacitor life using aged ESR and core temperature, not only initial ratings. Bulging, venting, electrolyte loss, central winding charring, low capacitance, and high dissipation factor form a coherent wear-out sequence.