How to Test If Electrolytic Capacitors Required Dissipation
- 1). Turn on the digital multimeter. Turn the measurement dial to the largest direct current (DC) voltage setting available. The DC voltage setting is denoted by a capital letter "V" with straight lines above it. The maximum voltage allowed by a particular measurement is written next to the "V."
- 2). Plug the black probe of the multimeter into its negative port. The port will either be labeled "-" or "COM" for common, depending on the multimeter model.
- 3). Plug the red probe of the multimeter into its positive port. The port will either be labeled "+" or "V" depending on the multimeter model.
- 4). Touch and hold the red multimeter probe to the positive lead of the capacitor. Touch and hold the black multimeter probe to the negative lead of the capacitor. If a nonzero voltage appears on the multimeter screen the electrolytic capacitor needs to be discharged.
