Cap testing question
Mpfff.... Some basics on electrolytic caps:
a) an electrolytic cap, unless otherwise marked can test +100%/-20% for value and still be in spec. And unless you have the ability to test them at full operating voltage, the information from a typical DVM is incomplete.
b) an ESR meter is your friend. As noted elsewhere, testing is best done out of circuit.
c) switching power supplies are very hard on caps.
Replace them anyway, but also as noted, look for other heat sensitive failures also!
Peter Wieck
Melrose Park, PA
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