I have witnessed a lot of electrolytic capacitor failures. Most of these failures have occurred from improper wiring polarity or a significant over voltage condition. They generally involve an explosive emptying of the capacitor shell. These failures usually leave a smoking husk of a component and a spray of foil bits, dielectric insulation, and liquid electrolyte spewed across the circuit, chassis, and sometimes, the test technician. But recently I came across a much different failure. One which seemed to be specially concocted to sneak by without notice.