There are two simple ways to measure cap leakage (lacking a capacitor tester):
Simple procedure: set your Ohmeter to its highest Meg Ohm range, connect leads to cap tabs; the cap should briefly approach zero ohms then resistance will go up as the cap charges and should read infinity when fully charged. A reading of a few Meg Ohms or anything lower means the cap is damaged.
Slightly more complicated test: connect a 1K resistor in series with the positive tab, then connect the cap to a sufficiently high DC supply, no load after or across the cap. Measure voltage across the 1 K resistor after the cap fully charges and stabilizes.
One Volt means one mA of leakage. Throw away caps that show ANY leakage, no matter how small. They mean trouble down the road.
Good luck and watch the B+, it bites!
Simple procedure: set your Ohmeter to its highest Meg Ohm range, connect leads to cap tabs; the cap should briefly approach zero ohms then resistance will go up as the cap charges and should read infinity when fully charged. A reading of a few Meg Ohms or anything lower means the cap is damaged.
Slightly more complicated test: connect a 1K resistor in series with the positive tab, then connect the cap to a sufficiently high DC supply, no load after or across the cap. Measure voltage across the 1 K resistor after the cap fully charges and stabilizes.
One Volt means one mA of leakage. Throw away caps that show ANY leakage, no matter how small. They mean trouble down the road.
Good luck and watch the B+, it bites!
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