On 21 Dec 2005 04:23:18 -0800, "paulfoel"
wrote:

Assuming it is still ' live' how do I discharge it to make it safe?

Stick a big screwdriver across it. This is bad advice for capacitors in
general, but for these motor capacitors used on 240V AC only it's OK.
There is minimal likelihood of there being any charge left in there,
you're only shorting it to make _sure_ before you touch it by hand. If
it _had_ been charged up by the Workshop Pixies beforehand, then it just
costs you a screwdriver and a pair of trousers.

If you're fooling with HT DC on capacitors, then fit proper bleed
resistors before you start and make yourself a discharging stick with a
resistor in it.