[sdiy] Tube amp cap discharge tool?

[The Peasant]

> Harry...the context was "how do we do this in a tube amp".  With a well 
> insulated handle...how is the energy stored going to hurt anyone? 
> (assuming this isn't some collasal amp that I've never witnessed..I 
> mean..use some common sense.. if you see one..be sceeerd..be very 
> scared).  I routinely have 'let 'er rip' for the last many amps I've 
> worked on and while I recommend not sticking your face right in the arc 
> zone..nobody gets hurt by the 100uF 450V caps that are commonly the max 
> section found in a tube amp.    -Bob
 
While you may have the sense not to try this with a larger capacitor/voltage, 
others on this list may not. Please do not assume that everybody here has your 
level of technical expertise and common sense. Shorting out a power supply of 
any type with a screwdriver or other direct short should be avoided at all 
costs, regardless of the voltages or capacitors involved. This is a very poor 
work habit which can turn around and bite you in the @ss and broadcasting this 
example of poor judgement to a public mailing list invites disaster and 
possible lawsuits. In DIY, safety should ALWAYS come first, we sure don't want 
to lose any listmembers to injury or worse. :-(

Besides, doesn't fast discharging of electrolytic calacitors risk damage to the 
capacitors themselves? Especially old tube amp capacitors?

Take care,
Doug
______________________
The Electronic Peasant

www.electronicpeasant.com