4-12
FIGURE 27: Capacitance Testing Screen
The Capacitance Testing Screen (Figure 27) will display real-time data in seconds on voltage, current and
capacitance. Due to the variability of capacitive values that a test object may have, there will be an estimated
wait time displayed in seconds in which the capacitor must be charged up by the PM15-4A in order to take
the capacitance measurement.
NOTE: Pressing the HV OFF button at this time will end the test early and bring up the Test Completion
Page.
FIGURE 28: Capacitance Test Completion Page
After the test is complete, the time will read DONE (Figure 28), and the voltage stored on the capacitor will
slowly discharge back into the unit through the metering resistor. The PM15-4A will completely discharge the
test object by pressing HV OFF and bringing up the Test Completion Page (Figure 29).
WARNING
: Depending on the size of load capacitance, dangerous voltages may be present at the end of the
lead for a few moments.
In cases where test objects are exceeding 50µF, the use of a discharge stick is necessary. The use of
appropriately rated discharge and grounding devices is recommended to ensure that the test object
is fully discharged and grounded before removing leads after testing is complete. A minimum
discharge time which is approximately 4 times that of the voltage application duration is
recommended. Application of a discharge stick should be performed at the DONE screen showing the
final capacitance measurement and before pressing HV OFF. The capacitor leads should always be
shorted upon completion of a test to avoid possible return voltage build up in case the capacitor is
damaged.