discharging capicators??

[yamaha_1fan]

I assume the caps store power/energy/electric? How can you safely work on the insides of the ballast w/o getting shocked? I just finished up wiring my board and one light does not fire so I need to check my connections on that ballast. I also want to clean up my other connections and wrap them in electrical tape.

This before everything got wired.

 

[Rolling_Stoned]

I would like to know this also, because to my knowledge cap's can shock you even if they're unplugged. If I need to service any of my ballasts i dont wan't to get zapped?

Wow Yahama inspiring pic!

 

[Guest]

EDIT...

 

[yamaha_1fan]

Wow Yahama inspiring pic!

Thanks !! I will probably be posting a log soon, 9K grow

 

[Local420]

I've heard two stories.

One is let it sit with power off for 5-10min, the charge dissapates.

The other story is placing an insulated screwdriver across the terminals will discharge it as well, but i've also heard of screwdrivers being blown apart or welded themselves to a terminal.

granted this link is for a capacitor for a freezer. I would imagine the process is the same.

http://www.acmehowto.com/howto/appliance/freezer/check/capacitor.php

hope this helps.

definately do your research!

 

[yamaha_1fan]

EDIT...

Why the edit? Is the resistor idea a bad one?

 

[Rolling_Stoned]

Bump, any more suggestions on this subject?

 

[wsp]

Place the leads of a socketed 100 watt electric bulb on the leads of the capacitor.

This method had been used by many technicians around the world for the light bulb will act as an indicator to see if the capacitor still holds the charge. If there is a charge the light bulb will light and after discharged the light bulb will goes off.

 

[Guest]

Why the edit? Is the resistor idea a bad one?

I was gonna suggest a resistor also but only problem is what size wattage and resistance??? I've known of people who have blown something like a screwdriver apart putting it across the terminals of a high powered cap. No experience with what you got but since 120VAC, I assume, they can pack a wallop. We used to plug 120VAC caps into wall sockets and...well...mess with co-workers and it felt like a real bad bee sting.

 

[Sad247summer]

Yah the light bulb idea semems the best way
or take it to the hydro/ electric shop and have them test it, I am sure they will want to sell you a new one.

 

[Guest]

Screwdriver across the contacts works fine on a 1000w as long as it's *unplugged*.

 

[Rolling_Stoned]

Thanks a lot! I feel much more confident about servicing my ballasts

 

[Guest]

Just for Giggles 'n' Grins walk up behind someone that you don't like and tap him on the ass with the capacitor-------------now comes the hard part, If he jumps 2 feet off the ground then you run like hell. If he doesn't, just say "excuse me" and Walk on past him.

LOL, this has been a beautiful day today, here in the Cascades.

 

[Guest]

Screwdriver across the contacts works fine on a 1000w as long as it's *unplugged*.

I just love sticking metallic objects into or onto live circuits.