On 2006-02-15, Sjouke Burry wrote:
Any mains input filter I have ever seen, contains those
capacitors,and all computers and periferal equipment
have them . If they would not have them, they could

Those are X2-rated (or similar) capacitors. Manufacturer guarantees that
they will not short circuit when broken. However, eventually some of them
will (nothings perfect). So, current flows to protective earth and fuse blows.

As long as equipment is properly grounded, there's no problem. If it ain't,
there might be lot's of 'em. Like burning the whole machine and getting
electric shock.

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- Mika Lindblad