The amount of electrical energy that can be stored in an object is known as cacciance.The farad (F) is the unit for measuring the potential difference.In practice, the farad is such a large unit that it can be measured in smaller units such as the microfarad, 1 millionth of a Farad; or the nanoFarad.You can use a digital multimeter to get a rough idea of the measurement.
Step 1: The tool that will measure the capacitance is the one you choose.
The cheap digital multimeters have a capacitance setting.These are good enough for basic problems, but not always accurate.They give accurate results for most filmCapacitors, since they behave like the ideal capacitors your multimeter's calculations assume.If accuracy and precision are important, consider an LCR meter.The tools can cost several thousand dollars, but have a number of reliable ways to test.The guide focuses on multimeters.You should get a detailed instruction manual for your device.While they are in a circuit, the equivalent series resistance meters can be used to conduct tests on capacitors.
Step 2: The power to the circuit should be turned off.
You can confirm that the power is off by setting your meter.The leads should be placed on opposite sides of the power source.The voltage should read zero if the power was shut off.
Step 3: Don't discharge theCapacitor carefully.
It is possible to hold charge for several minutes after the power is cut.The charge can be safely drained by connecting a Resistor to the Capacitor terminals.It's important to use a 2,000 Resistor for small Capacitors in order to make sure they are up to the task.A dangerous amount of charge can be held by large capacitors in appliance power supplies, camera flash circuits, and large motors.It's a good idea to have experienced supervision.Attach a 20,000, 5 watt resistor to a 12 gauge wire.
Step 4: TheCapacitor is disconnected.
Testing while the Capacitor is part of a circuit can give very inaccurate results.If necessary, desolder the connection after removing the Capacitor.
Step 5: The multimeter should be set to measure capacitance.
A symbol similar to a capacitance is used in most digital multimeters.The dial should be moved to that symbol.If several symbols share the same spot on the dial, you may need to press a button to cycle between them.Pick the range that fits your best guess for theCapacitor's correct valueYou can read the label to get a rough idea.The range can be detected by your multimeter if there is only one setting.
Step 6: If there is a present, REL mode should be activated.
While the test leads are separated, press the REL button on your multimeter.This will prevent the test leads from interfering with the measurement.If measuring small Capacitors, this is necessary.This mode can be used on some models.
Step 7: The leads need to be connected to the terminal.
If you want to connect the multimeter's leads, you need to know the positive and negative terminals of the electrolytic capacitors.This isn't important for your test, but you will need to know this before you use theCapacitor in a circuit.Look for either A + or next to a terminal.The long pin is the positive terminal if one is longer than the other.Different types ofCapacitor use different standards, so a colored stripe next to a terminal is unreliable.
Step 8: Wait for the result to come in.
The multimeter will send out a current to charge the capacitor, measure the voltage, and then use it to calculate the capacitance.The buttons and display screen may be slow to respond until the process is over.The multimeter can't measure the capacitance because it's too high.If possible, set the multimeter to a higher range.The result can mean the Capacitor has shorted.If the multimeter hits an overload, it will increase in range.You can see "OL" on the screen multiple times before you see the final result.