B&K Precision 879B - Manual - Manual (Page 85)

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out of accuracy or erroneous. Series mode is use
because large capacitors often have higher
dissipation factor and lower internal resistance.
Inductance
For most inductance measurement, selecting series
mode is the best. Hence, the meter defaults to this
mode when selecting inductance mode. This is
because in this mode, accurate Q (quality factor)
reading can be obtained from reading low Q inductors
and ohmic losses are significant.
Though in some cases, parallel mode would be
preferred. For example, iron core inductors operating
at higher frequencies where hysteresis and eddy
currents become significant would require
measurement in parallel mode for optimal results.
Accuracy Discrepancies
In some special cases, inaccuracies may occur in the
measurement of capacitive, inductive, and resistive
components.