Pushing the limit

I've read numerous threads on pushing the mamba max ESC to its limits (and sometimes beyond!). But how many people have messed with other electronics like the Novaks or LRPs?

I was messing with my XBR/SS+ firmware Novak ESC, and just for fun, I hooked up a 3s lipo (only read about 10.58v according to my digital multimeter; it just came back from a run in my Trinity NOW). To my suprise, the ESC worked fine. I was going to test a fully charged 3s pack, but then I just took a quick look at the cap and it's only a 10v (I switched out the stock 16v one for the larger capacity 10v since it allows things to run far cooler).

So this brings me back to my point: does anyone know the limits of the Novak ESCs or any other manufacturer's ESC? I'm half tempted to push this ESC till it breaks, but I don't have the money to get a new unit afterwards.

[BrianG]

Just be aware that pushing the limits shortens component life. Higher voltage stresses the dialectrics of the components, even when not pulling any current.

Also, manufacturers figure in a safety margin (generally around 25% or more) for components selection. That 10v cap is designed to work on around 8v or less. 3s lipo will be 20% higher than the cap rating with no safety margin.

The MM uses 25v caps, which is perfect for 4s. 5s is pushing it, 6s is a def no-no.

And we are just talking about the caps here because it's easy to see their ratings. There are other components with max V ratings as well.

Hmmm. I see what you mean then there Brian. I'm guessing the FETs can probably deal with 3s lipo under a lighter load, but I know the cap is a no no (hence why I'm not trying it...).

I guess the only way to find out what the true max is of the ESC is to open it up and look up all the parts on digikey huh?