When testing a capacitor, what indicates that the capacitor is probably in good condition?

When testing a capacitor, observing that the meter goes to a low end and then returns slowly is an indication that the capacitor is in good condition. This behavior reflects the capacitor's ability to charge and discharge properly. When the meter initially reads low, it suggests that the capacitor is accepting charge. The slow return indicates that the capacitor is discharging correctly over time, which is a sign that it is functioning well.

In contrast, if the meter remains steady, it may imply a potential short circuit or that the capacitor is open, as it should show some variation when tested. A quick jump to high could mean that the capacitor is failing to hold the charge, and it might be exhibiting a short. If the meter shows no change, this typically indicates that the capacitor is not functioning at all, either being dead or unable to hold any charge, which is not desirable for proper operation. Thus, the behavior of moving to a low reading and then gradually returning is the most desirable outcome when assessing capacitor health.