Testing an AC capacitor with a multimeter is a common task for electricians, technicians, and hobbyists. A capacitor is a passive electronic component that stores electrical energy in an electric field. AC capacitors are used in a wide variety of electronic circuits, including power supplies, filters, and timing circuits. A multimeter is a versatile electronic test instrument that can measure voltage, current, and resistance. It can also be used to test capacitors.
There are two main types of capacitors: electrolytic and non-electrolytic. Electrolytic capacitors are polarized, meaning that they have a positive and a negative terminal. Non-electrolytic capacitors are non-polarized, meaning that they can be connected in either direction. The type of capacitor will determine the procedure for testing it with a multimeter.