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Old 3rd Feb 2023, 6:50 pm   #2
Silicon
Nonode
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Coulsdon, London, UK.
Posts: 2,171
Default Re: Testing for leaky caps

The simplest method is to connect a known resistor (i.e. 10kOhm) in series with the capacitor and apply a small voltage (i.e. 9V).
If the capacitor leaks, a small current will pass through the resistor and this will generate a small voltage.

This can be measured with a digital voltmeter and the current can then be calculated.

Some capacitors may only break down at higher voltages.
You need a variety of voltage sources and resistors to safely test a 400V capacitor for example.


The capacitor could be a dead short and be capable of passing large currents.
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