7
To measure the ESR on a capacitor, hold the tweezers’ test probe cross the
capacitor leads. The meter's probes are nonpolar.
On the "ESR" mode, the meter performs a set cycle of tests each time it is
connected to a capacitor. First it discharges the capacitor, then it measures the
ESR and indicates the range of the value with the 25 LED bar, and also sounds
one or more times depending on the ESR of the capacitor (see table 1). The
three-color chart on the panel shows typical electrolytic capacitors ESR readings.
If the capacitor's ESR range is in the green areas, it is good, and if the capacitor's
ESR range is in the red areas, it must be replaced. If the capacitor's ESR range is
in the yellow areas it's questionable and is up to the technician to decide on
whether to replace this capacitor, or not. The capacitor with higher voltage
ratings and used in circuits not requiring particularly low ESR may still work
adequately in the yellow area. However, the modem solid circuits such as switch
power supplies require low ESR capacitor. The ESR of a good capacitor depends
upon the type of material, value and voltage rating.
On the "ESR" mode, the meter will indicate that a shorted capacitor is good
because the meter does not perform the DCR measurement. Therefore, only
in
the "OCR & ESR mode" will the meter detect shorted capacitor in its DCR cycle.
Table 1
On the "DCR & ESR" mode, first it discharges the capacitor, then it checks the
DC resistance and if the DC resistance is less than 30 ohm, it will stop on the
DCR cycle, otherwise, it measures the ESR and indicates the range of the value
with the 25 LED bar. On this mode, the meter detects shorted capacitor in its
Beeps from 1 to 5 beeps depending on ESR
ESR range ohms: 0 -
0.552
0.5 -152
1 -.
352
3 - 852
8 - 3 0 5 2
One sound
Two sounds
Three sounds
Four sounds
Five sounds
Beeps from 1 to 5 beeps depending on ESR
SR range ohms: 0 - 0.552
One sound
0.5 -152
Two sounds
1 -. 352
Three sounds
3 - 852
Four sounds
8 - 3 0 5 2
Five sounds
