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RE: Electrical Component Basics: The Capacitor
Aren't most circuits built to slowly discharge capacitors, when the appliance is not in use? I think this is more important with electrolytic capcitors, as the charge is stored chemically, and prolonged charge could shorten the lifespan of the electrolytic capcitor.
And if I am not mistaken, then the usual normal capacitors have a lower capacity, but would work indefinately, compared to the higher capacity electrolytic capacitors, which, sadly, may fail after a while.
I don't think storing charge will damage capacitors, although they will naturally discharge over time slowly due to several factors. Massive ones like the Microwave Oven capacitors have internal resistors to dissipate energy and reduce the danger.
Shorting a capacitor (with no significant resistor) on the other hand can damage it. It's fine a few times but if the circuit is doing it nonstop the capacitor will likely fail sooner.
Well, a fully charged electrolytic capacitor is probably similar to a fully charged Lithium-Ion-Battery. The latter is best stored at half charge, as too low a charge and too high a charge both will shorten battery life.
Since they are chemical in nature (wet chemical), that means that they could degrade faster, when fully charged ...