How to test an LDR

LDR (light dependent resistance) can be very easily tested by using a digital multimeter. We all know that the resistance of an LDR varies according to the light falling on it. At bright light, the LDR resistance will be around 500Ohms and at darkness the resistance will be around 200K. For a proper diagnosis we need to measure the resistance of the LDR at bright light and at darkness.

Test1.
  
Keep the multimeter at Ohms mode. The LDR must be subjected to a bright light source (day light is enough).Connect the LDR leads to the multimeter terminals as shown in the figure. Now the multimeter will show a low resistance reading around 500 Ohms. 

Test2.
 
Keep the multimeter at Ohms mode. The LDR must be subjected to darkness by covering it with an opaque paper. Connect the LDR leads to the multimeter terminals as shown in the figure. Now the multimeter will show a high resistance reading around 200K.

If both of the above tests are positive then we can conclude that the LDR is healthy.