DIYbanter - View Single Post - Discharging Capacitors Prior to ESR Meter Probing

On 26 Apr 2006 05:24:31 -0700, wrote:

I got the Dick Smith device and am ready to tackle jobs. What
techniques/hardware are being used to make sure that capacitors are
properly discharged?

The power supply caps, which I am guessing are identified by size and
proximity to the power source are a different animal. What should be
done about these?

Just check any caps that might be charged with a volt meter. If they
are charged, use a large resistor to discharge them. Adding back to
back high current diodes to the ESR meter isn't a bad idea to protect
it from the occasional cap you forget to discharge, but don't rely on
the diodes to discharge caps.
Andy Cuffe