The capacitance symbol often shares a spot on the dial with another function. [4] X Expert Source Daniel StoescuMaster Electrician Expert Interview. 16 August 2021.
You might need to press a function button to activate a measurement. [6] X Expert Source Daniel StoescuMaster Electrician Expert Interview. 16 August 2021.
If your unit has an adjustable resistance range, set the range to 1000 ohm = 1K or higher.
If, however, the resistance value does not change on any of the tests, the capacitor is dead. [8] X Research source
If the needle initially shows a low resistance value then gradually moves towards infinity, the capacitor is good. If the needle shows a low resistance value and doesn’t move, the capacitor has been shorted out. You’ll need to replace it. If the needle shows no resistance value and doesn’t move or a high value and doesn’t move, the capacitor is an open capacitor (dead). [9] X Research source
The greater the discrepancy between the capacitor’s voltage rating and the voltage you’re charging it with, the longer it will take to charge. Generally, the higher voltage of the power supply you have access to, the higher the voltage ratings of the capacitors you can test with ease. [11] X Research source www. angelfire. com/electronic/funwithtubes/Testing_c aps. html
The capacitor will discharge its voltage into the voltmeter, causing its reading to drop back to zero the longer you have the leads connected. This is normal. Only if the initial reading is much lower than the expected voltage should you be concerned. [12] X Research source
This method will only work with capacitors that can hold enough energy to produce a spark when shorted. This method is not recommended because it only can be used to determine if the capacitor can hold a charge, capable of sparking when shorted, or not. It can not be used to check if the capacity of the capacitor is within the specifications. Using this method on larger capacitors could result in serious injury or even death!
