The purpose of this study is to examine the cause of damage to electrolytic capacitors and to present the heat generation mechanism in order to prevent the occurrence of similar problems. From the analysis results of electrolytic capacitors collected from accident sites, the fire causing area can be limited to the primary power supply for the initial accident. From the tests performed by applying overvoltage, surge, etc., it is thought that the fuse, varistor, etc., are not directly related to the accidents that occurred. The analysis of the characteristics using a switching regulator showed that the charge and discharge characteristics fell short of standard values. In addition, it is thought that heated electrolytic capacitors caused thermal stress to nearby resistances, elements, etc. It can be seen that the heat generation is governed by the over-ripple current, application of AC overvoltage, surge input, internal temperature increase, defective airtightness, etc. Therefore, when designing an electrolytic capacitor, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the correct polarity arrangement, appropriate voltage application, correct connection of equivalent series resistance(ESR) and equivalent series inductance(SEL), rapid charge and discharge control, sufficient margin of dielectric tangent, etc.