This proved that bad capacitor breakdown when under full operating voltage. Then, how do i confirm that this filter capacitor is faulty? By using an analog insulation tester. When i connect faulty cap to meter and press go button-it showed a very low resistance and this is proved of short circuit between plate when voltage applied! There is nothing to do with bad electrolyte. A good capacitor will just showed a charge and discharge in insulation meter just like you are checking a capacitor using analog multimeter. In market there is quite a number of ranges that you can buy. It has range of 50v, 100v, 250v, 500v, 1000v and even 5000v! If you want to test a capacitor of 100 microfarad 160v then you have to select 100v. If you select 250v, it will blow your capacitor that is under test.

If you have SENCORE TEST EQUIPMENT such as sencore lc meter LC102 OR LC103, these meters have capabilities of checking any type of capacitors with four test; -testing for capacitor values -checking for leakage -equivalent series resistance (ESR) and -Dielectric absorption It can check aluminum electrolytic capacitor, film capacitor, ceramic, high voltage capacitor and etc.

Conclusion-Different capacitor manufacturer produced different type of quality of a capacitor. Perhaps bad capacitor that i encountered are from lowest grade one. A capacitor failure when under load is very rare. Using ESR capacitor meter alone can solve most of electrolytic capacitor problem.

Jestine Yong is a electronic repairer and a writer. For more electronic repair information please visit his website at http://www.noahtec.com/electronic-repair-articles.htm

One of unfortunate effects of convenience of energy grid is that people remain largely unaware of aspects of energy production and need for its proper management. When we plug into a wall and get instant energy, it’s easy to forget that that energy is finite and inhibited by circumstances.

The effect of holding a small solar electric system in your hands takes some of mystery out of energy and power. Energy is no longer something “made” at a distant generating station or power plant. The effect is, well, empowering. It’s similar to way that personal fitness and some styles of alternative health give you a measure of control over your own health. Build on knowledge you get from a small solar electric system, learn about generating your own energy and you will have increased authority over your household power, a vital area of your life.

Purchasing a small solar electric system like those found in solar toys or other gadgets can be a simple and efficient way to introduce both you and your family to solar energy. This knowledge just may come in handy in coming years, as solar energy and other kinds of renewable energy systems become a bigger part of grid generation and more popular as publicly owned “power plants.”