How do I test a high-voltage capacitor?
DischargingDischarge the capacitor by taking two insulated screwdrivers and attaching one to one of the capacitor terminals and the second to the other terminal, and then sliding the screwdrivers together to make contact. If there is a pop and a spark, it means the capacitor is not defective since it is holding a charge. If the capacitor has three terminals, short each terminal to the other and to the ground.Taking MeasurementsRemove all leads from the terminal and remove it from the circuit. This is necessary in order to get accurate measurements. Use an ohmmeter and set it to the highest resistance scale possible. Measure each terminal against the other by connecting the ohmeter probes to each of the terminals one at a time and taking the reading. The resistance reading should show infinity. Reverse the leads and take the measurements again. This time, the meter should deflect momentarily to zero and then drift back slowly to infinity. Connect each terminal to the capacitor’s metal c