Considering the date of manufacture, I really hope this one doesn't contain PCB, nasty stuff (the lower part should tell, but it's out of focus, can't read).

I'd bet it is a PCB one . It doesn't say though . It's currently outside now !

It most likely wouldn't have the term "PCB" printed on, but the brand name of the containing oil mixture (for example "Pyranol" and "Chlorinol" and similar sounding names – a Google search then reveals if a mixture contains PCB or not).

All this says is 74-40, GE capacitor,72F632, 60HZ, 16uF, 330v, made in the U.S.A , and 120-0767 .

Doesn't say "contains no PCB's", "contains PCB's", "Chlorinol", "Pyranol" nothing

All this says is 74-40, GE capacitor,72F632, 60HZ, 16uF, 330v, made in the U.S.A , and 120-0767 .

Doesn't say "contains no PCB's", "contains PCB's", "Chlorinol", "Pyranol" nothing

FYI Before 1979, PCBs were commonly used as insulators in electrical equipment, including fluorescent lamp ballasts and motor start capacitors. Although these ballasts and small capacitors may contain only relatively small amounts of PCBs, the PCBs are commonly in extremely high concentrations. PCB ballasts and small capacitors may be found in: •fluorescent lamps •mercury vapor lamps •home appliances •industrial equipment How Can I Tell If My Ballasts and Small Capacitors Contain PCBs? Manufacture of PCB-containing equipment was prohibited in 1979. You should assume that all ballasts and small capacitors contain PCBs unless: •labeled “No PCBs” or •known manufactured after 1979

I've had this happen with a pcb cap before back when I lived with my parents.

Luckily they weren't educated enough to know I unleashed carcinogenic oil fumes in my room lol. Otherwise they'd have murdered me.

I cleaned it up and went on with my life. It was exclusively in my room so the cleanup was easy.

I'm not too worried about cancer. If it happens it happens.

Definitely a PCB laden capacitor...don't inhale!

A rule of thumb...if it doesn't mention PCB's, or doesn't say no PCB's then they are indeed in the capacitor.

Refer to page 33 on our document about PCBs (in German language). According this paper all capacitors from GE are having PCBs which were made before 1979 and all made after in 1981 and later are without it.

http://www.chemsuisse.ch/de/?option=com_dropfiles&format=&task=frontfile.download&catid=97&id=80&Itemid=1000000000000

This is a document with most of the capacitors listed which were found in use in Switzerland.

I figured it was which is why I opened the windows and ran until everything aired out ! I've had shorted caps, swollen caps and weak caps, but never had one go up in smoke until this !

I'd prefer NOT to repeat this !!! Especially inside !

100% PCB containing! On 80's till 2000 capacitors it was noticed, in 2000 banned

100% PCB containing! On 80's till 2000 capacitors it was noticed, in 2000 banned

They were banned here in the US in 1978...didn't think that the Netherlands waited so long to ban them!

Maybe little earlier you're right . It was for sure not 80/ 90's

Nope!