Re: [TCML] mmc cap protection by spark-gaps-any ideas? Retained charge

["Peter Terren" <pterren@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I too have seen and photographed the effects of retained charge.
http://tesladownunder.com/CanCrushing.htm#Can%20crusher%203  go to the last 
photos in that section (12 photos down)
There is a photo of a MOT cap dielectric being unwound and a string of 
sparks forming as the dielectric separates, enough to give small shocks.
This was a long unused MOT cap. Always short big caps not in use but even 
this was not enough (MOT's have an internal resistor)
Peter

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <dr.hankenstein@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Conor,
> Good point,
> I'm not sure where you got the idea that shorting capacitors for storage 
> or
> shipping was a bad idea; quite contrary! The leads of capacitors and
> bushings of large oil filled apparatus such as transformers are normally
> always shorted for safety! These devices can accumulate a large and
> dangerous charge, which can cause severe burns or electrical shock. Any
> unshorted capacitor should be considered LIVE when handling until proven
> otherwise! Many years ago I got blasted by an electrolytic capacitor in a
> power supply that had not been energized in three months! (The power 
> supply
> did not have bleeder resistors) Don't let this happen to you! I was
> lucky....the charge only went across my fingers. Had the path been across
> my heart, I may not be writing this right now. Please be 
> safe...precautions
> are there for a reason!
>
> Woo
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