Question 1

I want a simple meter to check start and run motor capacitors. Will this unit let me know if the capacitor is good, blown, or whether I need a new cap?

Accepted Answer

First of all the is three different ways you need to test start and run capacitors. 1) is its capacitance and that is what this meter will do, 2) you need to check internal resistance and we use a ESR meter for that, 3) the next thing is voltage rating test , and leakage. and you need a real device to put load on it,  Air conditioner and Compressors need good run and start caps, they are expensive do to there voltage  and heat rating, if you are doing this for a job, you need a Capacitor tester and a ESR Meter. If just for one or two jobs Capacitor tester, and after they item has been running for 10 minutes, take a temperature reading of the cap, if it is getting warm, then it has internal resistance. Use safety when dealing with capacitors and always discharge them before testing. this is a item you need professional training on, for me I deal with them every day so I know what to look for. On a bad Start cap you will get a lug type of a start or hard start when bad or not in circuit. With a bad run cap you will get excessive amperage and over heat windings. So use a amp gauge  also when testing the device.

Question 2

Is this actually an ESR meter for checking in circuit capacitors? Or just a capacitor farad measurement tool?

Accepted Answer

It's just a capacitor farad measurement tool. I don't think your results will be very accurate in-circuit.

Question 3

does this check a good or not good capacitor?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you mean by "good". It will measure the low frequency or DC capacitance and you can decide if the value is within what you consider the proper spec. However, it will not tell you if the capacitor can withstand the the rated voltage. It also will not tell you the leakage rate for the capacitor. To determine the leakage rate you will have to charge it to a specific voltage, measure the voltage before disconnecting it from the voltage source, and then measure it again some time later, using a voltmeter with a very high impedance front end, so that the act of measuring the voltage won't discharge the capacitor. It also won't tell you the capacitance as a function of frequency. I hope that this helps you.

Question 4

Please give numerical data to compare to the Fluke.  How do you know  that the Fluke gives a better reading?

Accepted Answer

I own a Fluke 112 True RMS Multimeter that can measure capacitance.  I compared measurements on my Fluke and the Honeytek on ten different value/type capacitors.  The Fluke gave reading that were consistent with value of the capacitors measured whereas the Honeytek gave erratic readings, some as much as 20% off the stated value.  I gave the Honeytek away.  If you do not care about accuracy or quality of your test instruments, buy the Honeytek.

Manufacturer	Honeytek
Part Number	CECOMINOD047803
Package Dimensions	15.4 x 11.2 x 5.2 cm; 281.23 g
Item model number	A6013L
Colour	Black
Style	Compact
Power Source	Battery Powered
Item Package Quantity	1
Batteries included?	Yes
Batteries Required?	Yes
Item Weight	281 g

A6013L Auto Range Digital Capacitor Capacitance Tester Meter Cap 0.1pF to 20mF

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