Electronics > Beginners
ESR Confusion
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Noidzoid:
So a capacitor showing low ESR could be faulty, but a capacitor showing high ESR is definitely faulty. Correct?
wraper:

--- Quote from: Noidzoid on June 24, 2018, 12:10:04 am ---So a capacitor showing low ESR could be faulty, but a capacitor showing high ESR is definitely faulty. Correct?

--- End quote ---
Yep. Although visually faulty does not mean necessarily electrically faulty (unless leaks current or is completely shorted). It could be electrically fine at the moment (hence measures fine), building pressure inside (bulging) and will electrically fail in the near future.
Noidzoid:
Ok. I won't be throwing my MESR-100 out then.

Thanks for taking the time to explain.
Doctorandus_P:
Some audio capacitors have a plastic disc on the top and that disk may bulge from mechanical stress (it is compressed by the crimping foil around the cap) but that does not mean the capacitor itself is faulty.

I one cut a hole in such a disk and the aluminimum top of the Elco was perfectly flat and it also measured OK on an ESR meter (which I bought later).
james_s:
Like any tool, ESR meters have limitations. They are not magic, they still rely on you knowing how to interpret what they are telling you but they are useful tools. Increased ESR is not the only symptom of a failing capacitor but it is one common symptom.
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