Why should an ohmmeter be kept away from a charged capacitor when testing?

Why should an ohmmeter be kept away from a charged capacitor when testing?

• A. To avoid rapidly discharging the capacitor
• B. To protect surrounding equipment
• C. To avoid damaging the meter
• D. To prevent sparks

Answer: (C)

Ohmmeters apply a small test current to measure resistance, so they are designed to handle only limited energy in the circuit under test. A charged capacitor, however, can release a large amount of stored energy and push current or voltage into the meter beyond what it can safely handle. That surge can damage the meter’s internal circuits, burden resistor, or protection components. So the primary reason to keep an ohmmeter away from a charged capacitor is to avoid damaging the meter. Discharging the capacitor before testing is good practice, but the immediate risk being addressed here is protecting the meter itself.

Ohmmeters apply a small test current to measure resistance, so they are designed to handle only limited energy in the circuit under test. A charged capacitor, however, can release a large amount of stored energy and push current or voltage into the meter beyond what it can safely handle. That surge can damage the meter’s internal circuits, burden resistor, or protection components. So the primary reason to keep an ohmmeter away from a charged capacitor is to avoid damaging the meter. Discharging the capacitor before testing is good practice, but the immediate risk being addressed here is protecting the meter itself.