Quick question, is using a capacitor rated for high voltage (lets say 35v) in a dystem that lets say supplies 5V (like for LEDs or what have you) dangerous?
Since it can store up to 35V, will it like somehow store a bunch then release it at once damaging the system, or it is OK to use a higher rated capacitor than the voltage being supplied?
Answer
While not a perfect analogy, think of the voltage on the capacitor similar to the liter capacity of a tank. It will hold "35 V" but you needn't fill it completely. But like @JustJeff said, you'd be wise to ensure the container can hold more than necessary to prevent spills (and in an electrolytic capacitor's case, the electrolyte can expand and quite literally "spill" out).
Note that a better analogy to capacity would be the farad unit, since that's a measure of a capacitor's charge capacity, so don't get that confused with voltage, which is the potential to do work.
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