My first discharge - not what it sounds like

Just wanted to make a post for the newbies that don't read old posts stressing the importance of discharging crt tubes so it shows at the top of the tv page.

There are a very many pieces of advice on this forum that are important. But one of the top ones in my opinion, at least as far as ewaste goes, are to always make sure your flyback transformers are discharged when breaking down crt tubes. I have read so much info on here that it all starts to blur together. But one of the posts that stuck out in my mind more than others is the one where a flyback discharged through a "not so family friendly private place". So I've been extra careful any time I take apart a monitor or tv and thus far never got any reaction to a charge grounding. Until today.

I was running 2 stripped tvs to best buy for recycling and as I left, there was a tube tv in the dumpster corral. (I live in a condo complex) so I grabbed it. Dropped off the tv carcasses and got home. Went to take apart the new tv. Started as always, screws out, cover off, and thought for a split second, just take the good stuff out and be done. And then remembered to discharge the tube. Sure enough, put one alligator clip to the frame, and the other to a screwdriver, and the second the screwdriver went under the suction cup, "tick" and a spark. Stood back and went, "wow. This is why I've been doing this all this time". Glad it went through the tools rather than my body.

So, moral of the story, there may be steps you can skip here and there and end up ok, but crt discharge definitely isn't one of them.

My advice would be that if there is any doubt and you don't have a choice, use your finger instead of your private part.... Just sayin'

This is good enough to be a sticky.

Sweet. My first sticky. Thanks guys!

Being new to this type of scrap, how do you discharge a flyback transformer? Can you provide pictures, I do not even know what one looks like. Great advice, but without more information I know I will be in for a shock when I tear into some TV's. I know I can research it, but a sticky should contain all the information needed. Just a thought.

very carefully ;)

you use a grounded metal object with an insulated handle to touch the "hot" part of the transformer. most people probable use a grounded screwdriver.

this is probably a good candidate for a YouTube video

I use a screwdriver and a 2 foot pigtail of wire with alligator clips on each end. Attach one clip to the screwdriver shaft, and the other to one of the brackets holding the tube to the case. Usually at the corners. Using a pair of insulated pliers, I pull back the suction cup on the tube just enough to see the end of the wire. Touch the screwdriver to this wire. If there was any charge left, it will spark. And now you're good to go.

I have a tv in my truck at the moment. I'll probably be breaking it down tonight or tomorrow. I'll make sure to take some pictures of the process and post them here.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MattInTheHat

very carefully ;)

you use a grounded metal object with an insulated handle to touch the "hot" part of the transformer. most people probable use a grounded screwdriver.

this is probably a good candidate for a YouTube video

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There is a few videos also in addition to this one. Make up a jumper wire (around 12ga.) with a clamp or clip on both ends and clip on a straight screwdriver on one end and clip it to the metal chassis on the other end. Do not touch the metal part of the screwdriver while doing this or you will be the ground!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bT-yXPqmh9g

Sure there are several dozens of posts on how to properly discharge a tv. I believe the OP even said it in his first post. I could be wrong but swore I read it in there before it became a sticky.

Alas Mech with the save with a video. You've been spared digging into the mass archive of TV/Tube posts. Lucky you.

Sirscrapalot - Working with TV's or Tubes can be quite...Shocking. - Yea..I went there.

http://theinsurist.com/wp-content/up...r-guy_crop.jpg

It's always nice to see my private parts referenced in a Sticky.

;)

My "Not so family friendly private parts" are glad to be of service. Just don't tell my Wife..