I have tried to find videos or tutorials how to to test with multimeter if this capacitor is still good but haven't found anything. Does anybody know how to test or has a link to a video / web page ?
I feel that the answer will be very simple but I can't seem to find anything
Thanks
I have a multimeter that has a capacitor setting. I believe that is the best way
This is a good capacitor. I get reading s between 250 and 350 on a good one. No reading on a bad one.
Unfortunately I have an analog multimeter. See the picture, I get no reading.
I am wondering if I need to charge it with a 9V battery or something else
I don't think charging it will help. Definitely won't help your meter.
The reading your looking for is very small. Your meter is for capacitors for electric motors.
There may be another method.
Thanks all, I think I will just get a digital multimeter with right options to test especially higher Ohms capability.
Mfd setting is what your looking for.
Mine is a meter meant for HVAC techs.
Set to ohm's. Should read from 0 to infinite. Set to VDC. Depending on the meter itll read up to 9V (my fluke process meter charges to 1.5v) and should drop as it discharges.
Not an accurate measurement but good enough for go no go
A lot of people don't have analog multimeters. But when testing a condenser it's exactly what you need. Just send it to voltage then you're correct and assuming you need to charge up the condenser using a 9 volt battery just be careful after you charge up the condenser that you don't touch the center lead or it won't show anything. After you charge up the condenser put your black lead on the casing of the condenser and then touch the red lead to the Center Post while watching the needle on the multimeter at the same time if it moves a tiny bit then it shows it discharge and it's probably good and holding a charge
I forgot I put this in The Wookie years ago. It's got some good info check it out
https://www.mopedarmy.com/wiki/How_to_test_if_a_condenser_is_good_or_bad
I didn’t read everybody else’s comments so I apologize if I’m repeating.
To test a capacitor, set a VOM to resistance, Hold one lead to each terminal or terminal and case for several seconds (to charge the capacitor using the battery in the meter). Remove the leads from the terminals and, change the meter to measure DC voltage, reapply the leads but in the opposite polarity. the measured voltage will slowly drop from around 3V back to zero.
This tells you the capacitor is working but not its true level of capacitance or reliability.
You can buy a cheap tester for about $40. Or put that toward a nicer meter with the feature built in.
Wow douglas! I like that I'm going to try that next chance I get. You should do a picture tutorial and stick it in the wiki right next to my ancient method. I'm thinking about doing one where you charge the capacitor using an old extension cord and then discharge it on your tongue
They make a capedance tester, just for condensers and capacitors. The readings are in Mirofarads. I have stated this many times on this site. I own one and use it all the time. A note, condensers can slow down and start pitting the points.
Inspection of your points can tell you about your capacitor. If everything is right the wear is equal. If capacitance isn’t right, material from 1 point will collect in the other leaving a hill and a divot.
If capacitance is too high, material will transfer from the stationary to movable; too low and material will transfer from movable to stationary.
I'd use my LCR meter.
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