Identifying Nichicon PL

[sebr]

Hello,

I recently ordered caps and now as they have arrived, Im wondering why dont match the specs in the datasheet. Maybe fake caps?

They are labeled as:

nichicon
3300 uF 10V
PL(M)
105°C
H 0912

Can size 10 x 26 mm

[yyonline]

Re: Identifying Nichicon PL

Nichicon PL is an obsolete series.

Where did you buy them from? There are many counterfeit capacitors on ebay, and I'm sure elsewhere too. Post some photos of the top, bottom, and sides and we can compare them to what genuine Nichicon look like.

Next, what specification is different than expected? I can't find a datasheet for PL, since it's an old series. Were you able to find a datasheet? If so, can you post a link?

[bigbeark]

Re: Identifying Nichicon PL

I found datasheets identifying PL as superseded by PM series.
PM datasheet shows 3300UF at 12.5mm diameter. These are not a low impedance or low ESR capacitor. The ripple rating is 1700 for 6.3v (not high enough). Even if these are genuine, I don't think they would be the best choice for motherboard use.

Nichicon HM or HN (after 2005) or Rubycon MCZ would be much better choices.

Nichicon P series caps would be more suitable for power supply use.

[PCBONEZ]

Re: Identifying Nichicon PL

Most brands will do custom order sizes if you order enough so a legit cap not showing up in the data sheet isn't that unusual and isn't like -proof- of a fake.
Does make it suspect, it's just not proof without something else.

PL and PM are low ESR if you read the correct table in the data sheet.
PL data sheet attached.

3300uF 10v came in 12.5x35.5 or 16x20 mm.
You probably have the 12.5x35.5 there and slipped a little with the ruler.
.

[sebr]

Re: Identifying Nichicon PL

Here are the pics.
I bought the caps from ebay.
@PCBONEZ: Thanks for the datasheet. PM is the successor of PL. But anyways, I measured correct. Of course it can be a custom made cap, but the bottom and top pics make ....doubts...

[PCBONEZ]

Re: Identifying Nichicon PL

Those are fake.
The vent stamp shape on them is a Teapo Trademark.
Nichicon doesn't use it because they'd get sued.
.
The font also looks wrong.
I don't think Nichicon ever uses an italic 'u' in uF.
.

[Toasty]

Re: Identifying Nichicon PL

Fake

1) The picture (not the drawing) in the datasheet indicates that the bung is wrong. Bung protrudes to raise cap off of board.

2) Datasheet says marking is "white printing on dark brown sleeve".

As has been said before, ask here before buying from eBay. Or, completely bypass that venue and go direct to RS or Farnell or similar in your country.

?? Who was the ebay seller ??

[sebr]

Re: Identifying Nichicon PL

Vent stamp and the "missing" bung were also suspicious to me.
Well, they were not announced or sold as Nichicon caps, just as "motherboard caps". So i didnt expect too much.
Usually i only use Rubycon or Panasonic FM series caps from RS, but no 10mm type was available.
Anyways they are now in my parents computer which isn't in use very often (probably once a week) so it wont hurt much.
ebay seller was "satistronics"

[LuSiD]

Re: Identifying Nichicon PL

So the other day i bought the caps you can see in the picture. A lot of 10. For 3$! How stupid could i be to believe these where original Nichicons? The answer is "very stupid". Well, they were my first caps and i didn't know. So, beware of fakes for low prices on eBay... What is really funny is that some had the vent stamp from Teapo as above (and i used those to recap a graphics card) and the vents of the other ones where like the ones in my other pictures...

A very helpful post indeed! Are there any ways to identify fake Rubycons too?

By the way, the eBay seller is "cn-resource". I will contact him to see what does he actually think of the caps he is selling...

P.S. Do you think i have to recap my graphics card with more reliable caps? I think the answer is YES!?!

[Th3_uN1Qu3]

Re: Identifying Nichicon PL

2) Datasheet says marking is "white printing on dark brown sleeve".?

I can confirm this. I have Nichicon PL pulled off a server board and they are indeed white on dark brown. Great caps btw. I've seen sold here caps labeled as Sanyo with a similar print - same gold text on green sleeve, same slightly fuzzy printing. Wouldn't be surprised if it's the same factory which made them.

[Scenic]

Re: Identifying Nichicon PL

I've seen sold here caps labeled as Sanyo with a similar print - same gold text on green sleeve, same slightly fuzzy printing. Wouldn't be surprised if it's the same factory which made them.

hmmmm...

[b700029]

Re: Identifying Nichicon PL

So the other day i bought the caps you can see in the picture. A lot of 10. For 3$! How stupid could i be to believe these where original Nichicons? The answer is "very stupid". Well, they were my first caps and i didn't know. So, beware of fakes for low prices on eBay... What is really funny is that some had the vent stamp from Teapo as above (and i used those to recap a graphics card) and the vents of the other ones where like the ones in my other pictures...

A very helpful post indeed! Are there any ways to identify fake Rubycons too?

By the way, the eBay seller is "cn-resource". I will contact him to see what does he actually think of the caps he is selling...

P.S. Do you think i have to recap my graphics card with more reliable caps? I think the answer is YES!?!

It seems like you got a mix of resleeved Teapo and some other no-name brand.

[Th3_uN1Qu3]

Re: Identifying Nichicon PL

@ Scenic: Are you telling me that those gold on green (third pic) Sanyo caps are genuine? If they really are... looks like i've found a steady source of caps.

[yyonline]

Re: Identifying Nichicon PL

@ Scenic: Are you telling me that those gold on green (third pic) Sanyo caps are genuine? If they really are... looks like i've found a steady source of caps.

I'll wait for Scenic to chime in to confirm, but the long capacitor in the last photo appears genuine. The shorter ones that are the darker green are obvious fakes. I see lots of Sanyo, and I'd be happy to give you my opinion on your caps if you post photos. I'm sure others would as well.

[Th3_uN1Qu3]

Re: Identifying Nichicon PL

Okay, i'll buy some this week.

[PCBONEZ]

Re: Identifying Nichicon PL

@ Scenic: Are you telling me that those gold on green (third pic) Sanyo caps are genuine? If they really are... looks like i've found a steady source of caps.

I've gotten mixed legit and fake Sanyo from the same dealer in the same order before. [The legit and fake were different uF.]
-
Seeing one good one in an order doesn't tell you squat about what will show up at your door.
.

[Scenic]

Re: Identifying Nichicon PL

@ Scenic: Are you telling me that those gold on green (third pic) Sanyo caps are genuine? If they really are... looks like i've found a steady source of caps.

the longer 6,3V cap in the 3rd pic is genuine, the short one is obviously a fake, but uses (what looks like) the exact same (wrong) colors as the fake nichicons in the earlier posts.
(wrong tone of both green and gold, plus the obvious things like the X vent and the fact that they labelled a Sanyo WX as 125°C )

[helungyim]

Re: Identifying Nichicon PL

The shorter one. 10V 1000UF absolutely are fake Sanyo caps.
check the vent. printing etc

hmmmm...

[dwatashi]

Re: Identifying Nichicon PL

Well, I think that I have fake caps too.
Mine have 10x23mm, 10v, 4700uF, nichicon.

I have yhe same problem, I can´t get 10mm 10v caps locally, then i get some via eBay.

[scabiko]

Re: Identifying Nichicon PL

Here are the pics.
I bought the caps from ebay.
@PCBONEZ: Thanks for the datasheet. PM is the successor of PL. But anyways, I measured correct. Of course it can be a custom made cap, but the bottom and top pics make ....doubts...

Hi, I am new to the forum and I am a new victm of fake Nichicons HE(m). They look exactly as the ones on your pictures. In your experience, do they work or will fry my equipment? I want to use them in a regulated power supplly of 12v, to power an audio device. Please advise! Regards.