Any layman interested to know how to check the electronic components using a simple measuring device. This rule applies to electrolytic capacitors having different capacitance and charge-discharge time (photo below).
types of faults
The main defects of these products easily determinable by the meter are:
- Electrical breakdown.
- Breakage.
- The high leakage currents on the body.
The first of these occurs in situations when exceeded the allowable stress in the operation circuit. Internal open most often happens because of mechanical damage to parts related to its meltdown or strong vibrations.
Note: Rare, but it is an acceptable reason for failure can be a factory defect or violation of transport regulations.
Availability of leakage points to lower the insulation resistance between the capacitor plates, which leads to a reduction in its capacity and ability to not "hold" a charge. Each of the fault is the cause of its unsuitability for further use.
Preparation for testing
When using a multimeter to check the condenser unit is installed in
"Resistance measurement" mode. Then you should understand the type of product being tested (electrolytic or conventional non-polar). This need to know to observe polarity verification.In addition, the polar capacitor to short circuit test desirable screwdriver legs that allow to "remove" it from the accumulated charge (this operation is shown in the picture below).
After the preparatory actions will go directly to the verification of the capacitor.
we define the problem
the device switch before checking translates into resistance mode (Ohms). This will ensure the absence (presence) of an open or short circuit in the capacitor. The examination nonpolar products measurement limit is set to figure 2 megohms. For its polar analog value must be much smaller (less than 200 ohms). Otherwise, the defective cell is charged too quickly, and this process is difficult to detect.
Then probes the instrument to touch the capacitor contact, be sure the polarity (this is optional in a non analog). Thus a value, which will gradually increase (pictured below) will appear on the tester display.
This is because the meter will start charging verifiable detail (charging current is taken from the battery built into it). If the reading on the screen after a few seconds to reach "1" - this means that the capacitor is fully charged and that he is OK.
When checking immediately appears "1" - this indicates that there is an internal failure and that the item should be discarded. The appearance of the display zero reading indicates a short circuit or leakage. If verified by a conventional multimeter nonpolar capacitor, the reading on the display device must not exceed 2 units. Otherwise, it is necessary to recognize faulty.