Ceramic Disc Capacitors & High-Voltage Options
Choose a ceramic disc capacitor by actual value and working conditions
A ceramic disc capacitor is a usually radial-leaded ceramic dielectric component with two terminals. The disc listings in this collection span small pF values through selected nF and 100 nF choices, including 50 V general circuit parts and separately listed 1 kV, 2 kV and 3 kV high-voltage variants and assortments. This collection also contains substantial numbers of aluminum electrolytic, tantalum, polypropylene film, motor-start/run and other capacitor listings, plus a resistor. They remain identifiable by their individual product titles; they are not ceramic disc capacitors simply because they appear on this page.
Compare the relevant types
- 50 V radial ceramic discs: selected listings offer values from a few pF to 100 nF, with some fixed-value and some mixed-value packs. Confirm the selected capacitance, tolerance, dielectric, lead pitch, disc diameter and quantity. Standard three-digit markings give 102 = 1 nF, 103 = 10 nF and 104 = 100 nF; a seller's inconsistent PF/NF text is not a reliable substitute for the marking.
- High-voltage ceramic discs: selected 1–3 kV options and kits include values such as 100 pF, 470 pF, 1 nF and 10 nF, but each combination has its own listing or variant. Determine whether a rating is DC or AC, verify temperature, pulse and dielectric data, and preserve the required creepage, clearance and lead spacing. A 3 kV title does not give every kit component a 3 kV rating.
- Safety-marked ceramic candidates: one mixed X1/Y1/Y2 listing is not proof that each option carries every class. For mains line-to-earth service, verify the specific component's Y-class marking, certificates, AC rating and equipment safety requirements; a generic high-voltage disc cannot replace it by capacitance or DC voltage alone.
- Other technologies on this page: polarized electrolytic and tantalum capacitors, non-polar electrolytic, MKP/CBB film, X2-labeled film, CBB60/CBB65 motor parts and CD60 motor-start devices have distinct electrical behavior and duty. CD60 start capacitors must not be assumed suitable for continuous motor-run operation even if a seller title says “run.” One 1206 MLCC listing is a surface-mount ceramic capacitor, not a radial ceramic disc. A low-ohm resistor is not a capacitor.
Selection workflow
- Identify the circuit function: signal/timing, filtering, high-voltage pulse, approved interference suppression, DC bulk storage or motor duty. Select the right technology before choosing a nominal value.
- Read the exact variant's capacitance and tolerance in pF, nF or µF. Check the part's dielectric and how capacitance varies with temperature and voltage.
- Confirm working DC/AC voltage and derating, peak and repetitive pulse stress if applicable, and any safety certification needed at mains voltage.
- Match radial lead pitch, body diameter, installed clearance and pack quantity. For an SMD listing, use its PCB footprint instead of a disc footprint.
- Verify manufacturer part number, marking and documentation before substituting parts in equipment.
Buyer checklist
- Technology and exact selected variant, not only collection membership
- Capacitance, code, tolerance and temperature behavior
- DC or AC working voltage, pulse data and required derating
- Lead spacing, disc/body size and PCB clearance
- Safety class with traceable approval, when applicable
- Order quantity and kit contents
Frequently asked questions
Does 104 on a disc mean 104 pF?
No. Standard three-digit capacitor code 104 denotes 100,000 pF, or 100 nF (0.1 µF). Confirm the marking and actual product specification if a title conflicts.
Can a 1 kV or 3 kV disc replace a Y-class safety capacitor?
No. A high DC voltage rating does not establish certified line-to-earth safety performance.
Are the CD60 and CBB60 motor listings ceramic discs?
No. Their construction and intended start or run duty differ. Use only the documented duty and equipment-specified capacitance and AC voltage.
Can an electrolytic capacitor replace a ceramic disc at the same nominal µF?
Not automatically. Check polarity, impedance, ESR, frequency behavior, voltage, temperature and circuit role.
