Reading Capacitor meter

[stanley]

Before I throw them away,I decided to check a bunch of replaced condensers.I first did the usual test with my multimeter.I then tried using my newly purchased capacitor meter.To start I used new,known value condensers.In the 47nf to 47uf mode,I got a fluctuating reading of an average 220.98 pf.In the 47uf to 470 mf mode,the reading was a constant .12uf. Why?Taking into account the difference in value of pf vs.mf vs.uf,I don’t understand why both don’t begin with “12”,which is the rating of the capacitor.

• This topic was modified 4 years, 4 months ago by stanley.

[vintin]

Use the scale that most closely matches what is printed on the capacitor.

All capacitors have capacitance, inductance and resistance components. I believe what you are seeing is inductance and resistance of the tested capacitor skewing your measuring device’s readings.

[stanley]

Thanks Vintin,That makes sense to me.I’d never used one before.Just got this one and of course it came with un-intelligible Chinese to English instructions.

[RICHARD A. WHITE]

Sparkfun had this cool little cap reader.. it is a Doit yourself kit you put together..It will only tell the value of the Cap, but if it is unknown cap value this could be helpful.

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9485

http://www.richardsoutboardtools.com
classicomctools@gmail.com

[Author]

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