Red Seal Electrician Practice
Safety and work practicesQuestion 338 of 1506

Why must a capacitor be discharged before you test it?

  1. A good capacitor can keep its charge after power is off
  2. A discharged capacitor will measure higher in value
  3. The meter cannot read a capacitor that is charged
  4. The meter leads would melt on a charged capacitor
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Correct answer: A good capacitor can keep its charge after power is off

A stored charge can shock you and damage the meter.

Source: Troubleshooting Motors and Controls (Dickson-Self), 6.1: Testing Motor Components

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026