How to use a multimeter to measure the quality of electrolytic capacitors and solid-state capacitors

(I) First, set the multimeter to the resistance range

(ii) Use the two probes of the multimeter to touch the two ends of the electrolytic capacitor.

At this time, the pointer of the multimeter will deflect clockwise to the right. When the pointer deflects to a certain position, the pointer of the multimeter will stay for a while, and then slowly deflect to the left until it returns to zero.

(III) Then swap the two probes of the multimeter and measure again according to (II).

If the two measurements are the same (two), it means that the electrolytic capacitor is good.

If the following two situations occur during the measurement, it means that the electrolytic capacitor is bad:

(1) Electrolytic capacitor breakdown short circuit

When measuring, when the two probes of the multimeter touch the two ends of the electrolytic capacitor, the pointer of the multimeter will deflect clockwise to the right. When the pointer deflects to a certain position, the pointer of the multimeter will stay for a while, and then the pointer of the multimeter will slowly deflect to the left. If it is found that the pointer of the multimeter cannot deflect to the left, it means that the electrolytic capacitor has been short-circuited internally, and such an electrolytic capacitor cannot be used.

(II) Electrolytic capacitor leakage

When measuring, when the two probes of the multimeter touch the two ends of the electrolytic capacitor, the pointer of the multimeter will deflect clockwise to the right. When the pointer deflects to a certain position, the pointer of the multimeter will stay for a while, and then the pointer of the multimeter will slowly deflect to the left. If it is found that the pointer of the multimeter can slowly deflect to the left but cannot return to zero, it means that the electrolytic capacitor is leaking internally, and such an electrolytic capacitor cannot be used.