CAPACITOR, ASYMMETRIC (with an energy storage capacity greater than 0.3Wh)

SP 372

This entry applies to asymmetric capacitors with an energy storage capacity greater than 0.3 Wh. Capacitors with an energy storage capacity of 0.3 Wh or less are not subject to ADR. Energy storage capacity means the energy stored in a capacitor, as calculated according to the following equation, Wh = 1/2CN(UR2-UL2) × (1/3600), using the nominal capacitance (CN), rated voltage (UR) and rated lower limit voltage (UL). All asymmetric capacitors to which this entry applies shall meet the following conditions: (a) Capacitors or modules shall be protected against short circuit; (b) Capacitors shall be designed and constructed to safely relieve pressure that may build up in use, through a vent or a weak point in the capacitor casing. Any liquid which is released upon venting shall be contained by packaging or by equipment in which a capacitor is installed; (c) Capacitors shall be marked with the energy storage capacity in Wh; and (d) Capacitors containing an electrolyte meeting the classification criteria of any class of dangerous goods shall be designed to withstand a 95 kPa pressure differential; Capacitors containing an electrolyte not meeting the classification criteria of any class of dangerous goods, including when configured in a module or when installed in equipment are not subject to other provisions of ADR. Capacitors containing an electrolyte meeting the classification criteria of any class of dangerous goods, with an energy storage capacity of 20 Wh or less, including when configured in a module, are not subject to other provisions of ADR when the capacitors are capable of withstanding a 1.2 metre drop test unpackaged on an unyielding surface without loss of contents. Capacitors containing an electrolyte meeting the classification criteria of any class of dangerous goods that are not installed in equipment and with an energy storage capacity of more than 20 Wh are subject to ADR. Capacitors installed in equipment and containing an electrolyte meeting the classification criteria of any class of dangerous goods, are not subject to other provisions of ADR provided that the equipment is packaged in a strong outer packaging constructed of suitable material, and of adequate strength and design, in relation to the packaging’s intended use and in such a manner as to prevent accidental functioning of capacitors during carriage. Large robust equipment containing capacitors may be offered for carriage unpackaged or on pallets when capacitors are afforded equivalent protection by the equipment in which they are contained. NOTE: Notwithstanding the provisions of this special provision, nickelcarbon asymmetric capacitors containing Class 8 alkaline electrolytes shall be carried as UN No. 2795 BATTERIES, WET, FILLED WITH ALKALI, electric storage.