See full version: How to measure capacitance
Warning: A good capacitor stores an electrical charge and may remain energized after power is removed. Before touching it or taking a measurement, a) turn all power OFF, b) use your multimeter to confirm that power is OFF and c) carefully discharge the capacitor by connecting a resistor across the leads (as noted in the next paragraph). Be sure to wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
Single-phase motors with such problems and noisy single-phase motors with capacitors require a multimeter to verify properly functioning capacitors. Almost all motor capacitors will have the microfarad value marked on the capacitor.
To safely discharge a capacitor: After power is removed, connect a 20,000 Ω, 5-watt resistor across the capacitor terminals for five seconds. Use your multimeter to confirm the capacitor is fully discharged.
When fixing a broken appliance, it’s sometimes not always obvious if the part is faulty. Sometimes a visual inspection will tell you if a part needs replacing, like a corroded bake element, or a broken dryer belt. However, for some parts like a switch, fuse or electrical component, you will need to test the part using a test meter (also called a multimeter or a volt-ohm meter) in order to check it for continuity.
To know the correct level of resistance for the part you are testing, consult the technical information sheet for that part or a manufacturer’s troubleshooting manual.
Ohm Adjustment Knob (Ω) to get the needle as close to zero as you can.
You do not need to calibrate a digital multimeter, but you do need to set it to the correct scale. Digital meters are usually considered more accurate and can sometimes measure temperature as well. here
This article was co-authored by Ricardo Mitchell. Ricardo Mitchell is the CEO of CN Coterie, a fully licensed and insured Lead EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Certified construction company located in Manhattan, New York. CN Coterie specializes in full home renovation, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, cabinetry, furniture restoration, OATH/ECB (Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings/Environmental Control Board) violations removal, and DOB (Department of Buildings) violations removal. Ricardo has over 10 years of electrical and construction experience and his partners have over 30 years of relevant experience.
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Turn the middle selector switch to "1000 DCV." Read the DC voltage measurement. Continue to decrease the voltage range until you obtain a full-scale reading without going over the maximum range voltage. more
Always start with the meter in the highest range if the voltage or amperage is unknown.
Turn the center selector to the diode position. Touch the red lead to the anode end of the diode and the black lead to the cathode end of the diode. The reading will be the forward voltage drop. If you obtain the reading of "1," the leads are reversed.
Place the meter in series with the device or component to measure amps. Place the red lead in the top meter lead connection marked "10ADC." Turn the center selector switch to the "10A" position. Read the direct current amperage. If less than 200 milliamps, turn the center selector to "200m" and move the red lead to the Volts/Ohms/mA, then retest the circuit until you obtain a full-scale reading without going over the maximum range current. more