What is a common tool used to check a motor capacitor?

A motor capacitor can efficiently be checked using a digital or analog meter. This type of meter can measure capacitance, which is the primary function of a capacitor. During testing, the meter allows the technician to verify whether the capacitance value is within the specified range according to the manufacturer's rating. If the reading is significantly low or zero, it indicates that the capacitor may be faulty and needs replacement.

While an oscilloscope could provide insights into waveforms and signals related to the capacitor's performance in a circuit, it is not specifically designed for measuring capacitance directly. A multimeter with a frequency setting also focuses on different aspects of electrical systems and is not typically used for standard capacitance testing. An infrared thermometer is unrelated to evaluating electrical components and is generally used for measuring surface temperatures rather than electrical characteristics. Thus, the digital or analog meter remains the most common and straightforward tool for inspecting motor capacitors.