Test with a multimeter

Aluminum electrolytic

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Now: Discharge, then measure capacitance

CircuVanta 6000 counts · auto range DCAUTO•)))HOLDFUSE− HOLD LIGHT OFFV⎓V~Ω•)))FmA⎓ mA400 mACOMVΩ Plus (+) 1 + Minus (−) 2 −
Pin 1: Plus (+) (+) Pin 2: Minus (−) (−)

Red probe Not connectedBlack probe Not connected

Hold the probe and drag it to the tip of a leg. Tapping works too: first pick the probe, then the leg.

Set the range to F (capacitance).

Capacitor charged

Measure step by step

An electrolytic capacitor has polarity: red probe on the long leg (+), black probe on the striped side (−). The capacitor on screen starts out charged; discharge it first.

A capacitor stores energy. Before measuring, cut the power and discharge the capacitor through a resistor; do not short-circuit its pins with a screwdriver.

  1. 1Discharge, then measure capacitance
  2. 2Watch it charge on the Ω range