How to Test a Capacitor by Using Multimeter

In this Instructables, I will show you how you can check the working condition of an electrolytic capacitor just by using a multimeter. It is very easy and quite effective as well.

Step 1: Insert the Capacitor in the Breadboard

An electrolytic capacitor has two legs, one is longer and the other is shorter. The longer one is the positive terminal and the shorter one is the negative. Insert the longer leg in the breadboard so that it get the contact with positive terminal of the battery and negative leg with negative terminal of the battery.

Keep it connected for 10 seconds that will charge up the capacitor.

Step 2: Turn on the Multimeter and Set the Range

Remove the battery terminals from the breadboard. Turn on the multimeter and set the range to 20V DC. Touch the probes to the cap legs. Positive probe with positive leg and negative probe with negative leg.

Step 3: Check the Reading

Look at the measurement panel to take the voltage reading. The voltage should be decaying with time continuously.

If the voltage decreases with time then the capacitor is in good condition and if not then then the capacitor may not work properly in a circuit.

I hope this helps. :)

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