As an electrician, you know that capacitance meters are used to measure the energy potential of a capacitor, and that capacitors are used in circuitry to store energy between a pair of conductors. When a battery is removed for charging, a capacitor stores the information so you don't lose it.

Buy capacitance meters that your workers are comfortable with. Analog meters have been used for ages and now, in the digital age, there are newer meters that have come onto the market. You'll also need to buy meters that are economical, especially if you're buying in bulk. Consider the different types of capacitance testers before you shop for one:

1. Use an analog capacitor meter if your employees are good at reading them. They are known for working quickly and accurately.

2. Think about taking advantage of new technology: the digital capacitance meter. Newer employees can learn use these quite easily.

3. Buy a capacitance meter that's used to save on cost. Refurbished items are priced lower than new equipment.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use the tried-and-true analog capacitor meter

Many users prefer analog display meters since they register faster than digital ones. Simply watch the needle swing to its position and take your reading. Seasoned electricians can read an analog meter just as easily as they could read a digital one. These meters should be calibrated every so often to ensure that you're getting reliable readings.

I recommend: Check out the meter at Global Test Equipment with a maximum capacitance of 3000pF. Search EurekaSpot to compare prices on Boonton 72C capacitance meters.

Try out a digital capacitance meter

Digital meters are nice since you can just take a quick look at the display and get your reading. They're just as accurate and can make your life a bit easier. They do need to be calibrated just like analog meters.

I recommend: There are three different capacitance meters offered by B&K Precision. The meter at Electronix Express has an external adjustment knob.

Save some money by using a refurbished electrical capacitance meter

Refurbished meters work just as well as new ones. They must be brought to OEM standards before they can be sold again. If your company is tight on cash, consider buying used meters.

I recommend: Search for refurbished capacitance meters at Test Equipment Connection. You can also search for pre-owned meters at Used-Line, from cheaper ones to very expensive meters will multiple functions.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider buying a capacitance machine that has other features as well. The Fluke capacitance meter is built into a multimeter that measures a few other things also.
• •  If you choose to go with analog meters, make sure you train your employees how to measure capacitance using them. Anyone can use the meter, but making an accurate reading is a different story.