How To Safely Discharge A Capacitor - IFixit Repair Guide

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How to Safely Discharge a Capacitor

Introduction

Capacitors are electronic components found in almost every device containing a circuit board. Large capacitors can store enough charge to cause injuries, so they must be discharged properly.

While iFixit currently doesn't sell a capacitor discharge tool, you can easily create your own.

What you need

1. Step 1 How to Safely Discharge a Capacitor

   

   • Capacitors come in various shapes and sizes, but the large cylindrical capacitors typically are the ones that store enough energy to be potentially dangerous.

   • Aluminum and Tantalum Electrolytic capacitors can pack a lot into a relatively small volume. They’re well suited to high-voltage applications because of their relatively high maximum voltage ratings.

   • Aluminum electrolytic capacitors, the most commonly used for high voltage, usually look like little tin cans, with both leads extending from the bottom.

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