"Dave"

Now believe I already have an ESR meter, though I didn't realize that was
one of its functions. What I have is an Extech 380193 LCR meter, which
tells me that a fairly new but run of the mill 1uF electrolytic cap out of
my junkbox has 12.5 Ohms of resistance. If I were to try to use this to
measure the caps in-circuit, how should I proceed? I am guessing that
discharging the cap before touching my test leads to the solder pads would
give me a reading, but I really hesitate to do this without some sort of
suggestion that such is a safe proceedure for my meter. Am guessing that
readings in the single digits indicate a defective device. Does this
sound reasonable? No power to the circuit under test, of course, and
likely will push in the power button a few minutes before beginning.
Again, any advice is appreciated.

** Seen this ??

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEA5MfllPdg

All you need to do is compare the ESR reading of a known good electro of
about the same ratings and size with the one under test. If the one under
test has say 5 times more ESR - it is useless or about to fail.

Often, with worn out electros, the ESR may be over 100 ohms.


..... Phil