This part of IEC 60384 is applicable to fixed surface mount capacitors for direct current, with metallized electrodes and polyethylene-terephthalate dielectric for use in electronic equipment. These capacitors have metallized connecting pads or soldering strips and are intended to be mounted directly onto printed boards or onto substrates for hybrid circuits. These capacitors can have "self-healing properties" depending on conditions of use. They are primarily intended for applications where the AC component is small with respect to the rated voltage.

This part of IEC 60384 specifies preferred ratings and characteristics, and selects from IEC 60384‑1:2021 the appropriate quality assessment procedures, tests and measuring methods, and gives general performance requirements for this type of capacitor. Test severities and requirements specified in detail specifications referring to this sectional specification are of an equal or higher performance level. Lower performance levels are not permitted.

Capacitors for electromagnetic interference suppression are not included, but are covered by IEC 60384‑14.