This standard covers the general requirements for direct current (D.C.) metalized electrode, film and/or paper dielectric fixed capacitors in metallic and non-metallic cases. Capacitors listed in this standard are used primarily for filtering, bypass, coupling and blocking purposes where D.C. voltages predominate. They are characterized by small size (compared to metal foil electrode capacitors) and by the ability to "clear", or resume functioning, within specification limits, following momentary breakdowns. Applications using capacitors described in this standard should be those where high values of insulation resistance are not essential and where momentary breakdowns can be tolerated. A.C. application information is given in paragraph 5.0.

Portions of EIA Standards RS-186 and RS-178, when specified form a part of this standard.