Troubleshoot Capacitor: DIY Guide (US)

Capacitors, fundamental components in circuits designed per IEC 60384 standards, store electrical energy and play a vital role in numerous electronic devices. A multimeter, a staple tool in any US-based DIY enthusiast's toolkit, can be employed to assess a capacitor's health. Recognizing that failure is a common occurrence in capacitors due to factors like age or voltage spikes is crucial for effective maintenance. Understanding how to troubleshoot capacitor issues using these techniques enables both hobbyists and professionals to diagnose problems efficiently and maintain the performance of their electronic equipment.

Unveiling Capacitor Diagnostics: A Crucial Skill for Electronics Troubleshooting

Capacitors are fundamental components in virtually every electronic circuit imaginable.

From smoothing power supply outputs to timing critical operations and filtering unwanted noise, their functionality is indispensable.

Given their ubiquity and the stresses they endure, knowing how to diagnose capacitor problems is an essential skill for anyone working with electronics, from hobbyists to seasoned professionals.

The Importance of Capacitors in Modern Electronics

Think of capacitors as tiny rechargeable batteries that store electrical energy.

They release this energy quickly to stabilize voltage levels, couple signals between different parts of a circuit, and perform a myriad of other tasks.

Without them, our electronic devices would be riddled with instability and noise.

Safety First: A Paramount Concern

Before diving into diagnostics, it's absolutely critical to address safety.

Capacitors, especially those in high-voltage circuits like power supplies, can store a dangerous amount of energy even after the device is switched off.

Always wear safety glasses and insulated gloves when working with electrical components.

The most crucial precaution is to always discharge capacitors before handling them. We'll cover safe discharging methods in greater detail later.

Failure to do so can result in a severe electrical shock.

Capacitor Troubleshooting: Where is it most needed?

Capacitor failures are more common than you might think.

One area where they frequently rear their head is in power supplies.

The constant cycling of voltage and current, coupled with heat, places significant stress on capacitors within power supplies.

This environment encourages degradation over time, leading to malfunctions.

Symptoms can include anything from a computer that won't turn on to a device that operates erratically.

By understanding how to diagnose capacitor issues, you can effectively troubleshoot and repair a wide range of electronic devices, saving time and money.

Understanding Capacitor Fundamentals

Unveiling Capacitor Diagnostics: A Crucial Skill for Electronics Troubleshooting Capacitors are fundamental components in virtually every electronic circuit imaginable. From smoothing power supply outputs to timing critical operations and filtering unwanted noise, their functionality is indispensable. Given their ubiquity and the stresses they endure, understanding their basic parameters is vital for effective diagnostics.

To accurately diagnose capacitor issues, it’s essential to grasp the key parameters that govern their behavior. Let's explore the fundamental aspects that influence a capacitor's performance and lifespan.

Capacitance: The Measure of Electrical Storage

Capacitance, measured in Farads (F), defines a capacitor's ability to store electrical energy. Think of it as a reservoir for electrons.

A higher capacitance value signifies a larger reservoir. It can store more charge at a given voltage. This property is crucial in applications like energy storage and filtering.

Voltage Rating: Staying Within Safe Limits

The voltage rating indicates the maximum voltage a capacitor can safely withstand without dielectric breakdown. Exceeding this limit can permanently damage the capacitor, leading to failure.

Selecting capacitors with appropriate voltage ratings is crucial for circuit reliability and longevity. It's generally advisable to choose a capacitor with a voltage rating significantly higher than the maximum expected voltage in the circuit. This provides a safety margin.

Resistance: Spotting Leakage and Shorts

While ideally, capacitors should block DC current, real-world capacitors exhibit some internal resistance. Measuring the resistance across a capacitor (after discharging it!) with a multimeter can reveal potential problems.

Low resistance suggests a short circuit, indicating a catastrophic failure. High but non-infinite resistance may indicate leakage, where a small amount of current is flowing through the capacitor's dielectric.

Significant leakage degrades performance and reduces efficiency.

ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance): A Key Indicator of Electrolytic Health

ESR, or Equivalent Series Resistance, is a critical parameter, especially for electrolytic capacitors. It represents the internal resistance of the capacitor to alternating current (AC).

High ESR can cause excessive heat generation. This reduces efficiency, and ultimately lead to premature failure.

ESR tends to increase with age and operating temperature. Monitoring ESR is therefore a valuable diagnostic technique, particularly in power supplies. High ESR is often a telltale sign of degradation.

Polarity: The Importance of Correct Orientation

Polarized capacitors, like electrolytic and tantalum capacitors, have a defined positive and negative terminal. Connecting them in reverse can lead to catastrophic failure.

This results in damage or even explosion. Always double-check polarity before installing polarized capacitors. Clearly marked symbols usually indicate polarity on the capacitor body and the PCB.

Tolerance: Understanding Acceptable Variation

Capacitance tolerance specifies the acceptable deviation from the nominal (stated) capacitance value. For instance, a capacitor with a tolerance of ±10% might have an actual capacitance value that is 10% higher or lower than its marked value.

This variation can affect circuit performance. In precision circuits, selecting capacitors with tighter tolerances may be necessary to achieve the desired accuracy.

Working Voltage: Maintaining Operational Reliability

The working voltage is the continuous DC voltage that can be safely applied to the capacitor during normal operation. It is crucial to respect this limit for continued reliability.

Operating a capacitor consistently close to its maximum voltage rating reduces its lifespan. This is due to increased stress on the dielectric material.

Choosing a capacitor with a working voltage that provides a comfortable margin above the expected operating voltage is a best practice for extending component life.

Ripple Current: Minimizing Heat Generation

Ripple current refers to the AC component of the current flowing through the capacitor. High ripple current causes internal heating due to the ESR.

Excessive heat shortens the capacitor’s lifespan and can lead to premature failure. Capacitors used in power supplies and other high-current applications must be rated to handle the expected ripple current. Otherwise, the component will quickly degrade and fail.

Essential Tools for Capacitor Troubleshooting

Understanding Capacitor Fundamentals Unveiling Capacitor Diagnostics: A Crucial Skill for Electronics Troubleshooting Capacitors are fundamental components in virtually every electronic circuit imaginable. From smoothing power supply outputs to timing critical operations and filtering unwanted noise, their functionality is indispensable. Given their prominent role, having the right tools is critical for effective troubleshooting when capacitor issues arise.

This section details the essential tools for accurate capacitor diagnostics, from basic multimeters to specialized LCR meters and oscilloscopes. Each tool plays a specific role in identifying and resolving capacitor-related problems. We'll also cover auxiliary tools that are crucial for safe and effective component handling.

The Multimeter: A Versatile Diagnostic Companion

A multimeter is arguably the most versatile tool in an electronics technician's arsenal.

It offers the capability to measure voltage, resistance, and sometimes even capacitance, making it invaluable for initial capacitor assessments.

When troubleshooting, a multimeter can quickly determine if a capacitor is holding a charge (voltage measurement), has an unexpected low resistance (indicating a short), or if it aligns with the expected resistance range (for certain types).

However, remember that a multimeter's capacitance measurement function is often less precise than a dedicated capacitance meter, particularly for smaller capacitance values.

Capacitance Meter (LCR Meter): Precision Measurement

For precise capacitance measurements, a dedicated capacitance meter, often called an LCR meter (Inductance, Capacitance, Resistance), is indispensable.

These meters are designed to accurately measure the capacitance value, which is critical for determining if a capacitor has drifted out of its specified tolerance.

An LCR meter typically provides more accurate and reliable readings than a multimeter, especially for smaller capacitors or when evaluating capacitors with tight tolerance requirements.

Moreover, some advanced LCR meters can also measure other parameters, like Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR), a critical indicator of capacitor health, particularly in electrolytic capacitors.

Oscilloscope: Waveform Analysis and Transient Behavior

An oscilloscope is an invaluable tool for analyzing waveforms and detecting transient issues related to capacitors.

Unlike static measurements from multimeters or LCR meters, an oscilloscope visualizes how a capacitor behaves dynamically within a circuit.

For example, an oscilloscope can help identify ripple voltage on a power supply output capacitor or detect intermittent voltage drops caused by a failing capacitor under load.

By observing the shape, amplitude, and stability of waveforms, you can gain insights into capacitor performance that are impossible to obtain with simpler tools. Its use requires a solid understanding of electronic circuit behavior.

Auxiliary Tools: Accessing and Handling Capacitors Safely

Beyond measurement devices, several auxiliary tools are necessary for safely accessing and handling capacitors.

Screwdrivers

Screwdrivers are essential for disassembling equipment and accessing circuit boards containing capacitors. Ensure you have a variety of sizes and types (Phillips head, flat head) to accommodate different screws.

Soldering Iron and Desoldering Pump

A soldering iron is needed for removing and replacing capacitors on circuit boards.

A desoldering pump or desoldering wick is equally important for cleanly removing solder from component leads and plated through-holes.

Insulated Tools: Prioritizing Safety

Always prioritize safety when working with electrical components.

Insulated tools, such as insulated pliers and screwdrivers, are crucial for preventing electrical shock and protecting yourself from potential hazards.

Ensure your tools are rated for the voltage levels you are working with, and always double-check that equipment is de-energized before beginning any work.

Recognizing Common Capacitor Failure Modes

Now that we have a solid understanding of capacitor fundamentals and the tools we'll be using, it's time to delve into the nitty-gritty of capacitor failure modes. Understanding how capacitors fail is crucial for effective troubleshooting and repair. Let's explore the common culprits behind capacitor malfunctions.

Short Circuit: When the Path of Least Resistance Fails

A short circuit in a capacitor is a catastrophic failure where the internal resistance drops to near zero. This creates an unintended path for current, bypassing the capacitor's intended function.

A shorted capacitor essentially becomes a direct wire connection, which can wreak havoc on the circuit.

Identifying a Shorted Capacitor with a Multimeter

The easiest way to identify a shorted capacitor is using a multimeter in resistance mode. Here's how:

1. Ensure the capacitor is fully discharged! This is paramount for your safety and the safety of your multimeter.
2. Set your multimeter to the lowest resistance range (e.g., 200 ohms).
3. Connect the multimeter leads to the capacitor terminals. Polarity is irrelevant for this test.

4. A good capacitor will initially show a low resistance as it charges from the multimeter's test current.

   Then, the resistance will gradually increase towards infinity (open circuit). A shorted capacitor will show a very low resistance (close to zero ohms) that remains constant.

5. If the resistance reading stays near zero, the capacitor is likely shorted and needs replacement.

Open Circuit: The Broken Connection

An open circuit is the opposite of a short circuit. In this scenario, the internal connection within the capacitor is broken. Thus, preventing any current from flowing. The capacitor effectively becomes non-existent in the circuit.

Diagnosing an Open Capacitor

Detecting an open capacitor also involves a multimeter, but now, in both resistance and capacitance modes (if your multimeter has it):

1. As always, discharge the capacitor before testing!

2. Resistance Test: Set your multimeter to a high resistance range (e.g., megaohms). Connect the leads to the capacitor terminals. An open capacitor will show infinite resistance (OL or open loop on the multimeter display).

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   A healthy capacitor, when briefly tested this way, would allow the resistance to fluctuate some, before going to a very high, or infinite number.

3. Capacitance Test (if available): Use a capacitance meter (or a multimeter with capacitance measurement) to measure the capacitance. An open capacitor will show a capacitance value of zero or close to zero.
4. Keep in mind that a capacitance test requires disconnecting the capacitor from the circuit to get an accurate reading.

Leakage: The Gradual Drain

Capacitor leakage occurs when a small amount of current leaks through the dielectric material. This isn't a complete short, but it still compromises the capacitor's ability to hold a charge effectively.

Leakage can cause various problems, including:

• increased power consumption
• overheating
• circuit malfunction.

Detecting Capacitor Leakage

Leakage is trickier to detect than shorts or opens. Here’s how:

1. Discharge the capacitor!

2. Resistance Test (High Range): Use a multimeter set to a very high resistance range (e.g., several megaohms). Connect the leads to the capacitor terminals. A leaky capacitor will show a high, but not infinite, resistance value.

   The reading will be significantly lower than a healthy capacitor's resistance. Over time, the measured resistance of a leaky capacitor may drop.

3. Voltage Measurement (In-Circuit): Measure the voltage across the capacitor while the circuit is powered. If the capacitor is leaky, the voltage may be lower than expected, or it may fluctuate erratically.
4. Note: Leakage is more pronounced in electrolytic capacitors as they age. It's also temperature-dependent; leakage increases with temperature.

Dielectric Breakdown: The Insulation Failure

Dielectric breakdown happens when the voltage across the capacitor exceeds its rated voltage. This causes the dielectric material to fail, resulting in a short circuit or leakage.

Causes and Symptoms of Dielectric Breakdown

• Causes: Overvoltage, voltage spikes, excessive ripple current, high temperatures, and aging.
• Symptoms: A short circuit, leakage, bulging or cracking of the capacitor case, and a burning smell.
• Dielectric breakdown is often accompanied by visible damage to the capacitor.
• In severe cases, it can lead to explosive failure.

By understanding these common capacitor failure modes and how to identify them, you'll be well-equipped to troubleshoot electronic circuits effectively and safely. Always remember to prioritize safety and take the necessary precautions when working with electrical components.

Step-by-Step Capacitor Diagnostic Process

Now that we have a solid understanding of capacitor fundamentals and the tools we'll be using, it's time to delve into the nitty-gritty of capacitor failure modes. Understanding how capacitors fail is crucial for effective troubleshooting and repair. Let's explore the common culprits behind capacitor malfunction and then move into a detailed process.

This section details a step-by-step approach to diagnosing capacitor issues. Following these steps methodically will help you pinpoint the problem and determine the best course of action. Remember that safety is paramount throughout this process.

Visual Inspection: Spotting the Obvious

Begin with a thorough visual inspection of the capacitor. This simple step can often reveal obvious signs of failure.

• Check for physical signs of damage such as bulging, cracking, or leaking electrolyte.

Bulging is a common indicator of internal pressure buildup, often due to overheating or aging. Cracks can compromise the capacitor's integrity and lead to leakage. Leaking electrolyte is a sure sign of failure, indicating that the capacitor's internal components are deteriorating. If any of these symptoms are present, the capacitor is likely faulty and should be replaced.

Safety First: Prioritizing Your Well-being

Before you proceed with any further testing, it's absolutely critical to ensure your safety.

• Reiterate the importance of discharging capacitors before handling, especially in power supplies.
• Stress the electrical shock hazards and the necessity of disconnecting power.

Capacitors can store a significant amount of electrical energy, even after the circuit has been powered down. Failure to discharge a capacitor can result in a serious electrical shock. Use a resistor of appropriate value and wattage to safely discharge the capacitor before touching it or any connected circuitry. Always disconnect the power from the circuit before working on it. This eliminates the risk of accidental energization and further reduces the risk of electrical shock.

Voltage Measurement: Verifying Charge and Presence

Next, use a multimeter to measure the voltage across the capacitor. This measurement can provide valuable insights into the capacitor's function within the circuit.

• Measure the voltage across the capacitor using a multimeter.
• Compare the reading with the expected voltage level.

If the voltage reading is significantly different from what's expected, it could indicate a problem with the capacitor itself or with the surrounding circuitry. For example, if the voltage is much lower than expected, the capacitor may be leaking charge. If there is no voltage, there might be a break in the circuit leading to the capacitor, or the capacitor could be shorted.

Resistance Measurement: Detecting Shorts and Leakage

After discharging the capacitor, use a multimeter to measure the resistance across its terminals.

• Use a multimeter to measure the resistance across the capacitor (after discharging it).
• Look for unusually low resistance, indicating a short.

A healthy capacitor should exhibit a high resistance reading after being discharged. An unusually low resistance reading suggests a short circuit within the capacitor. Extreme caution should be taken as this could indicate a catastrophic failure. In some cases, a slightly lower-than-expected resistance may indicate leakage, particularly in electrolytic capacitors.

Capacitance Measurement: Confirming Value

Using a multimeter with capacitance measurement capability or, ideally, an LCR meter, measure the capacitor's capacitance.

• Use a multimeter or capacitance meter (LCR meter) to measure the capacitance.
• Compare the measured value with the capacitor’s specified value.

The measured capacitance should be within the tolerance range specified on the capacitor's label. A significant deviation from the specified value indicates that the capacitor has degraded and may not be functioning correctly. Keep in mind that some meters don't test capacitance accurately unless the capacitor is removed from the circuit.

ESR Measurement: Assessing Electrolytic Health

For electrolytic capacitors, ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) is a critical parameter. High ESR is a common indicator of degradation and impending failure.

• Use an ESR meter (or an oscilloscope with appropriate techniques) to measure the ESR of electrolytic capacitors.
• Compare the measured ESR with the datasheet value or typical values for similar capacitors.

As electrolytic capacitors age, their ESR tends to increase, leading to increased heat dissipation and reduced performance. An ESR meter provides a direct measurement of ESR, allowing you to assess the capacitor's health accurately. Consult the capacitor's datasheet for the specified ESR value. If the datasheet is unavailable, compare the measured ESR with typical values for similar capacitors. If the measured ESR is significantly higher than the typical value, the capacitor should be replaced.

Advanced Testing (Oscilloscope): Uncovering Hidden Issues

An oscilloscope can be used for advanced capacitor testing, allowing you to analyze waveforms and detect transient or intermittent issues that may not be apparent with other methods.

• Use an oscilloscope to analyze waveforms and detect transient or intermittent issues.

For instance, you can observe the capacitor's charging and discharging behavior to identify anomalies. Using a signal generator to apply a known signal across the capacitor and observing the output waveform can also reveal issues like distortion or attenuation. Remember that oscilloscope testing often requires a deeper understanding of electronics, so proceed with caution if you're not experienced in this area.

Component Removal and Replacement (If Necessary): The Final Step

If, after completing the above steps, you've determined that the capacitor is faulty, the final step is to remove and replace it.

• If the capacitor is found to be faulty, carefully remove it using a soldering iron/desoldering pump.
• Replace it with a new capacitor of the same type, value, and voltage rating, paying attention to polarity.

Use a soldering iron and desoldering pump (or desoldering wick) to carefully remove the faulty capacitor from the circuit board. Ensure that you do not damage the surrounding components or traces on the board. When installing the new capacitor, pay close attention to polarity, especially with electrolytic capacitors. Incorrect polarity can lead to catastrophic failure. Double-check the capacitor's markings and the circuit board's silkscreen before soldering the new capacitor in place. After replacement, retest the circuit to ensure that the problem has been resolved.

Capacitor Types and Their Specific Failure Patterns

Now that we have a solid understanding of capacitor fundamentals and the tools we'll be using, it's time to delve into the nitty-gritty of capacitor failure modes. Understanding how capacitors fail is crucial for effective troubleshooting and repair. Let's explore the common culprits behind capacitor malfunctions, focusing on specific types and their telltale signs of trouble.

Electrolytic Capacitors: The Aging Workhorses

Electrolytic capacitors, particularly aluminum electrolytics, are ubiquitous in electronics due to their high capacitance-to-volume ratio. This makes them ideal for filtering and energy storage. However, their construction makes them inherently susceptible to aging and degradation.

Unlike film or ceramic capacitors, electrolytics rely on a liquid electrolyte. This electrolyte can dry out over time, especially under high temperatures or ripple current conditions. This drying leads to a significant increase in Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR), a critical parameter we'll discuss further.

Common Failure Modes of Electrolytic Capacitors

• Increased ESR: This is perhaps the most common failure mode. High ESR reduces the capacitor's ability to filter effectively. It also dissipates more power as heat, further accelerating the drying process. ESR is a KEY indicator of capacitor health.

• Decreased Capacitance: As the electrolyte dries, the effective capacitance decreases. This reduces the capacitor's ability to store charge and perform its intended function.

• Leakage: Electrolytic capacitors can develop leakage current, allowing charge to bleed off over time. This can disrupt circuit operation and, in severe cases, lead to component damage.

• Bulging/Rupturing: This is a dramatic and obvious sign of failure. Internal pressure builds due to electrolyte degradation. Bulging should be considered the absolute worst indicator of capacitor failure.

  The vent is there to release pressure before a full rupture. Never ignore a bulging capacitor!

The Crucial Role of ESR Testing

Measuring ESR is paramount when diagnosing electrolytic capacitors. While capacitance meters can provide some insight, ESR measurements often reveal problems long before capacitance values drift significantly.

A dedicated ESR meter is ideal, but an oscilloscope can also be used to estimate ESR by observing the capacitor's response to a known current pulse. Refer to the manufacturer's datasheets for expected ESR values.

Capacitors on Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)

PCBs are the backbone of electronic devices, and capacitors play critical roles in signal filtering, power decoupling, and timing circuits. Failures here can manifest in various ways.

For instance, a failed decoupling capacitor near a sensitive IC can introduce noise and instability. A capacitor failing within a timing circuit can throw off clock frequencies, leading to erratic behavior. Always visually inspect capacitors on PCBs for signs of damage or degradation.

Capacitors in Power Supplies: High-Stress Environments

Power supplies are notorious for capacitor failures. The high voltages, ripple currents, and operating temperatures present in power supplies place significant stress on electrolytic capacitors.

• Input filter capacitors smooth the incoming AC or DC voltage. They are subject to high ripple current and voltage stress.

• Output filter capacitors reduce noise and ripple in the power supply's output. They are vital for providing stable and clean power to downstream components.

• Switching capacitors (used in switch-mode power supplies) handle high-frequency switching currents. They are particularly prone to failure due to heat generation.

Regularly inspecting and testing the capacitors within power supplies is essential for maintaining their reliability and preventing cascading failures.

Critical Safety Considerations When Working with Capacitors

Capacitor Types and Their Specific Failure Patterns Now that we have a solid understanding of capacitor fundamentals and the tools we'll be using, it's time to delve into the nitty-gritty of capacitor failure modes. Understanding how capacitors fail is crucial for effective troubleshooting and repair. Let's explore the common culprits behind capacitor breakdown, but before we do, it is paramount to discuss the safety measures you must prioritize when working with capacitors. Their ability to store electrical energy, even when disconnected from a power source, presents significant hazards if not handled with care. Neglecting these precautions can lead to serious injury or equipment damage. Let’s examine the vital safety aspects to keep in mind.

The Unseen Danger: Residual Charge

Capacitors, by their very nature, store electrical charge.

This stored energy can remain even after the circuit is powered down, posing a shock hazard.

Always assume a capacitor is charged until you have verified otherwise and safely discharged it.

Safely Discharging Capacitors: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before touching any capacitor, take these steps to safely discharge it:

1. Disconnect Power: Ensure the circuit is completely disconnected from its power source. This is your first line of defense against accidental energization.

2. Visual Inspection: Look for any obvious signs of damage to the capacitor or surrounding components. Proceed with caution if any damage is apparent.

3. Using a Resistor: The safest way to discharge a capacitor is by using a resistor. A resistor of appropriate value (e.g., 1kΩ to 10kΩ, wattage dependent on voltage) will slowly dissipate the stored charge.

4. Procedure:

   • Connect the resistor leads to insulated test probes or alligator clips.
   • Carefully connect the probes to the capacitor terminals, observing polarity if the capacitor is polarized.
   • Allow sufficient time for the capacitor to discharge fully (several seconds to minutes, depending on the capacitance and resistance values).

5. Verification: Use a multimeter to verify that the voltage across the capacitor terminals has dropped to a safe level (ideally near 0V).

6. Repeat if Necessary: For high-capacitance capacitors, repeat the discharging process to ensure complete discharge.

Avoid short-circuiting capacitors directly with a screwdriver or wire. This can cause a sudden and potentially violent discharge, damaging the capacitor and posing a safety risk.

Electrical Shock Hazards: Respect the Potential

Working with electrical circuits always carries the risk of electric shock.

Capacitors, especially those in high-voltage circuits, can deliver a potentially lethal shock even after the power is turned off.

Always exercise extreme caution and follow these guidelines:

• Work in a Dry Environment: Moisture increases conductivity and the risk of shock.
• Use Insulated Tools: Ensure your tools are properly insulated to prevent accidental contact with live circuits.
• Wear Safety Glasses and Gloves: Protect your eyes and hands from potential arc flashes or component explosions.
• Never Work Alone: Having someone nearby in case of an emergency is always a good practice.
• Know Your Limits: If you are not comfortable working with electrical circuits, seek the assistance of a qualified technician.

The Perils of Reverse Polarity

Electrolytic capacitors are polarized, meaning they have a designated positive and negative terminal.

Connecting them in reverse polarity can have catastrophic consequences.

Reversing the polarity can cause the capacitor to overheat, rupture, or even explode.

Always double-check the polarity markings on the capacitor and the circuit board before installation.

Using a capacitor with reverse polarity is highly unsafe and will definitely damage the board.

So, there you have it! With a little know-how, you can troubleshoot capacitors yourself and save some serious cash. Remember to always be safe and double-check your work. Now go get 'em, and happy troubleshooting!