How To Check A Run Capacitor With A Multimeter

Capacitors are metal tubes that store an electric charge usually found near a motor in the appliance.

How to check a run capacitor with a multimeter.

In case of non polarized capacitor connect it either way as they do not have polarity. This will help to prevent shock. Connect the multimeter probes to the terminals of the capacitor. To get your readings right on an electrolytic capacitor connect the red probe to the positive terminal then the black to the negative terminal.

Once the power supply is shut off you can use a screwdriver across the two terminals on the capacitor to short it and discharge the unit. In case of a polarized capacitor connect the red probe with the positive terminal of the capacitor generally the longer lead and the black probe to the negative terminal. Make sure the capacitor is discharged. If is used in a dc circuit set the dmm to measure dc voltage.

The reading on your multimeter will tell you if the capacitor is working properlyor needs to be replaced. To test a capacitor by dmm digital multimeter follow the steps given below. Connect the meter leads to the capacitor terminals. Use a screwdriver to open your machine and locate the capacitor.

Use your digital multimeter dmm to ensure all power to the circuit is off. To check your capacitor you ll need a multimeter. Use needle nose pliers with an insulated handle to remove wires. Use your multimeter to confirm the capacitor is fully discharged.

Make sure your device is unplugged and turned off before you find the capacitor. If the capacitor is used in an ac circuit set the multimeter to measure ac voltage. Set the meter on ohm range set it at lease 1000ohm 1k. You will be taking a measurement reading of the electrical resistance.

Connect the positive red multimeter lead to the capacitor anode lead and the negative black lead to the capacitor cathode lead. For non electrolytic you can join them either way. Set the knob on your digital multimeter to capacitance settings then connect the probes to the terminals of the capacitor.