FRAKO is a company based in Teningen, a small town in the Baden-Württemberg region of Germany. This area is known for its engineering excellence and is home to many world-class industrial companies. FRAKO established its reputation as a producer of high-quality capacitors and power factor correction systems.
Currently, the company has shifted its focus toward modern power management solutions, including energy monitoring systems and power factor correction equipment. While vintage capacitors like the Elko 2200 µF 50V are no longer produced, FRAKO continues to serve as a trusted name in industrial electronics.
During its peak, FRAKO was renowned for its capacitors, particularly in industrial applications and high-fidelity audio equipment. Their electrolytic capacitors were valued for their reliability and performance, making them a preferred choice for engineers and audiophiles alike.
Now that we know about the manufacturer, let’s talk about this particular component.
This specific capacitor, marked with “W. Germany,” was manufactured before the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990. This makes the component at least 33 years old. Some may even date back to the 1970s or 1980s, depending on the specific batch. Additionally, products labeled this way are now considered collectibles, adding historical significance beyond their technical value.
Another curiosity we can observe is the gold-colored aluminum casing of the FRAKO capacitor, which is not just for aesthetics. It’s an indicator of high-grade materials used in its construction, ensuring better durability and performance compared to standard capacitors of the era.
FRAKO capacitors were also widely used in industrial control systems and even in military-grade electronics due to their reliability and ability to perform under harsh conditions.
In these times when German industry is not going through their best times it’s worth remembering an era when “Made in W. Germany” symbolized unmatched quality and precision. The bold red lettering on the capacitor is distinctive and reflects a time when product design also focused on clear and readable markings. This attention to detail further enhanced the usability of FRAKO products.
Finally, FRAKO components, especially those with “W. Germany” markings, often appear on auction sites and marketplaces. Their rarity and reputation make them highly sought-after items among electronics enthusiasts.
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