Does anyone know if a tool exists that can be used to safely discharge
a stored charge in a capacitor (used in power supplies and RF
generators)? Such a tool should have an adjustable resistance value
and some kind of indicator when the potential has been reduced to a
safe level. Our company manufactures products that have very high
voltage charges left stored on very large capacitors. We are required
to provide a safe means of discharging the potential for our service
personnel. We tried to come up with a generic procedure using a
resistor, wire, and a screw driver. The resistor value had to change
from unit to unit because of the different amount of capacitance.
Another goal is to discharge within a reasonable amount of time but
not too fast to start (try to avoid arching). A screw driver
discharging 5-10Kv makes our service people nervous. Any ideas?
How do others our there handle this issue in Service Manuals?
Thank you in advance,
Brian Kunde
Group Leader
Compliance Testing Center
LECO Corporation
3000 Lakeview Ave.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
(616) 982-5423 phone
(616) 982-8964 fax
[email protected]
