DC capacitor testing

[Robert Snyder]

Can low voltage, say 5vac, be applied to a 25vdc rated capacitor for
the purpose of checking the capacitance in a wheatstone bridge
configuaration.

I don't have a capacitance meter but I would like to experiment with a
bridge setup.

Bob

 

[John Popelish]

Can low voltage, say 5vac, be applied to a 25vdc rated capacitor for
the purpose of checking the capacitance in a wheatstone bridge
configuaration.

I don't have a capacitance meter but I would like to experiment with a
bridge setup.

Bob

5 VAC peaks at about 7 volts volts each way, and that is a bit much to
do to an electrolytic in the wrong polarity, though the damage would
be slight with a brief exposure. It would be better to use a more
sensitive balance meter (or an amplifier) and keep the AC down to a
volt or so. Or design the bridge so that a DC bias voltage was added
to the AC.