- The lifetime rating of the capacitor is at nominal ripple current and frequency at a given temperature. Exceeding current or temperature or dissipation (due t

- The lifetime rating of the capacitor is at nominal ripple current and frequency at a given temperature. Exceeding current or temperature or dissipation (due to higher frequency loading) generally reduces life time by a power law. Conversely, lower stresses generally improves life time manyfold. - Cheap electrolytics will barely meet their spec and will surely not meet their life time. - No reason for a consumer good to last longer than the average hours used during the warranty period. High-quality, generously dimensioned electrolytics (that aren't plagued by particular defects) will last many decades.