🔥 Tantalum capacitor ignition
serious
Where you meet it: Tantalum capacitors during removal or bulk processing
What you need to know
- Tantalum caps fail short and then thermally run away. Documented failure modes include breakdown short circuit or explosion.
- The tantalum anode is a finely divided reactive metal — it can support self-sustaining combustion that oxygen deprivation won't stop quickly, and water on a metal fire is bad practice.
- Remove with hot air or a preheat plate only. Keep a Class D extinguisher or dry sand near any metal-fire-capable work.
- Burning epoxy also produces brominated flame-retardant decomposition products.
The rule: NEVER torch or burn tantalum capacitors.