What mode should a DMM be set to in order to test a capacitor?

To test a capacitor accurately, a digital multimeter (DMM) should be set to capacitance measurement mode. This mode specifically measures the value of capacitance in farads, which is the fundamental property of capacitors. When in this mode, the DMM applies a small voltage to the capacitor and measures the time it takes to charge and discharge, thus allowing it to calculate the capacitance.

Using the capacitance measurement mode is essential because it is designed to provide a precise reading of the capacitor's ability to store electrical charge, ensuring that the results reflect the capacitor's performance under normal operating conditions. Other modes, such as voltage measurement or resistance measurement, do not provide this specific information and may result in inaccurate readings or interpretations of the capacitor's condition. This makes capacitance measurement mode the appropriate choice for checking a capacitor’s health and specifications.