Electronics > Beginners

Digi-Key Sold Me 7 Year Old Capacitors

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Smoky:
Hey Guys,

 On a recent order from Digi-Key, I ordered 680uf 250v electrolytic capacitors for my Tektronix TDS420's SMPS.

 2 of the 5 capacitors were dated 2012.

 I contacted Digi-Key about this and they replied that there would be no problem with them.

 Being new to the electronics hobby, I wasn't sure of this.

 I asked that they send me two "newer" capacitors and they refused.

 What bothers me is that one of their customer service representatives stated that Digi-Key placed an order with Nichicon last year for these same sized capacitors, but they sent me these older ones.

 I buy from Digi-Key to receive "new" and "fresh" products.

 I feel that if I wanted a 7 year old capacitor, I'd go shop on Ebay.

 Any opinions on this?



KE5FX:
What does the Nichicon data sheet say about the shelf life?  If the answer is "nothing," then there's no room to complain to DigiKey.  Otherwise, you may have a legit beef.  It all comes down to the manufacturer's specification.

Smoky:
I did ask them to contact Nichicon.

Their response was "as long as the leads are solderable, they're still good."

But I'm not sure if that response came from Nichicon or one of Digi-Key's employees.

I guess it's also the fact that I receive countless Digi-Key e-mails in my inbox and Digi-Key flyers in my mailbox pushing their "new" products!

Maybe they should say "new-old" products?

james_s:
I wouldn't worry about it. I've used decades old capacitors many times without issues. My observations suggest it is largely a myth that reasonable quality capacitors have a shelf life.

TheHolyHorse:
Also just look at all the old equipment still running, there are capacitors way older than 7 years still going strong while being used.
I don't think you have anything to worry about as long as they are good quality caps.

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