Exploding capacitor

[Loud(ish)_Geo]

So my capacitor blew while I was charging the battery today and I was wondering if anyone could offer some clarity on both why it happened in the first place and why the fuse running to it never blew. For a bit more background, the fuse, wire and (2.5farad) capacitor all came in the same kit and should be compatible and I was charging it on the slowest setting. I've heard of this happening before but never this violent
Ps I have a spare hatch and no one got hurt

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[Firewalker]

Yikes! I don't think I have ever seen a capacitor explode like this before. I do know that going cheap on capacitors will do this more then a quality capacitor. I am also one that doesn't believe in them between a Big 3 upgrade, alternator, I wouldn't use one. I would do a battery instead of one because of issues like this.

Soundbox isn't necessary the cheapest but also isn't top of the line.

Sorry you had to endure this, main thing is though like you said no one got hurt & windows are replaceable. I shattered a hatch back window on my '96 Escort GT but that was because of the pressure.

Hopefully someone else can add some more information on what possibly caused this. I would say overcharging it or a fault in the production of the capacitor. I would also contact the company and ask them if they ever had one do this. I highly doubt they will do anything but it doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[THATpurpleKUSH 5,000+ posts]

Likely over charging and or a short combined with poor quality Chinese made goods.

Capacitors are a waste anyway. Get a 2nd battery instead.

 

[Loud(ish)_Geo]

Likely over charging and or a short combined with poor quality Chinese made goods.

Capacitors are a waste anyway. Get a 2nd battery instead.

Yeah, I'm thinking of just getting a big xs power for my main battery and running some distribution blocks

 

[jt4x4]

Was it the first time charging the cap? A RF cap i had came with a circuit board to let it charge and drain slower.

 

[nauc 10+ year member]

why you using a cap?

what audio gear you running?

 

[Loud(ish)_Geo]

why you using a cap?

what audio gear you running?

I was using one just as a cheap fix to stop some dimming I was having with heavy bass hits. I have a 900watt rms (3600watt max) system with 500w rms going to the sub and 100w rms x4 going to my doors (pioneer amps, Fosgate P3 10" sub,and polk db+ series doors)

 

[Loud(ish)_Geo]

Was it the first time charging the cap? A RF cap i had came with a circuit board to let it charge and drain slower.

I've never had to charge the car battery since I installed the cap (other than this time) but otherwise the caps been in my car for about a year and a half without any problems. There is a circuit board on it but I'm 90% sure it's just for the led read out. Their phones are only open on weekdays so I'll see about it more when I call

 

[hispls 5,000+ posts]

why it happened in the first place

Because those things are cheap Chinese junk and should never be used under any circumstances. You're very lucky nobody was hurt or maimed and that your car didn't burn to the ground.

 

[audioholic 5,000+ posts]

How long after you started charging the system did the cap blow?

 

[Loud(ish)_Geo]

How long after you started charging the system did the cap blow?

I'd say it was like five or ten minutes

 

[audioholic 5,000+ posts]

So a surge from charging it too quickly can be ruled out. Either way, like some already said, just eliminate a cap from your system. Properly sized and routed wire, and/or a rear mounted batt is a much safer and better performing option.

Remember, amp makers put capacitors in their input stage, intended to handle the transient demands of the amplifier. So there should be no need to add a cap to your electrical system to handle the electrical spikes those cap makers always talk about.