New Guy
When discharging a capacitor. I was told to use a large screwdriver or pliers
with insulated handles and touch both ends of the capacitor . My question is should the screwdriver or pliers say "insulated" on the box , or will any
pliers with Rubber on the handles work?
I'm a little concerned telling you anything at this point. I can't see your tools from here but I would say most all tools with plastic handles are "insulated". Here's the oh by the way if they are old tools, wet tools then you still can get shocked. The fact that you asked this question worries me a little.
I don't do many mirowaves and never discharged the capacitors. Many circuts have a bleed off resistor, I don't know if microwaves have them. I just never paid much attention to them other than handle them with caution and tossed them in the shred pile.
Please go to the introduction section of the forum and start a thead there. Tell us a little about youself and what experience you have.
Then go read as much of the old threads as you can. Start with the section about dismateling and go from there. You will be happy you took the time to do the reading, Mike.
"Profit begins when you buy NOT when you sell." {quote passed down to me from a wise man}
Now go beat the copper out of something, Miked
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I agree with Miked, if you have to ask a question like that maybe you should stay away from anything electrical.
Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
so if you dont know then how do you learn? How did you learn? I for one think thats a good question. sorryOriginally Posted by happyscraper
Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
Who told you this? Go ask them ; )
Orrr, maybe rephrase your question
wait! is this microwave plugged in??
Last edited by Bear; 04-29-2012 at 10:08 PM.
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I have broken down thousands of electronics and never had a problem.....HMMMMM something here does not make sense
BUYING ALL COMPUTER SCRAP WORKING OR NOT
CHECK OUT MY BUYERS THREAD http://www.scrapmetalforum.com/scrap...nic-scrap.html
https://getjunk.net/Knox-County-TN-0...Recycling.html
New Guy
Thanks for your help miked. Ive watched a ton of videos on youtube and did not see where any of them discharged the capacitor before breaking the microwave down . Most said to wait 1 hour, some said to wait 2 days . When I did some research online some sites said the capacitor could hold a charge for a very long time. I was looking to buy this " GearWrench 8" Insulated Long Nose Pliers" just because it said " Insulated ",
which Sears did not have . The pliers the clerk tried to sell me said " not insulated on the inside of the handle " . It did look like the others with the Ribber handle , he said it didnt matter so I thought I would just ask the board if it did or not . Most of my tool are pretty brand new . I really enjoy this hobby and reading this message board . I spend so much time and money in Home Depot, Sears and Harbor Freight just to buy tools to tear up stuff thats going to make me a few dollars .
Again thank yall for your help .
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The only thing I have a real respect for is the TV's with their capacitors, the microwaves I don't think you'll have a problem with.
This is what I use for a lot of my breakdowns, haven't had a problem, YET!
P & M Recycling - Specializing in E-Waste Recycling.
If you enjoy your freedom, thank a vet.
New Guy
Thank you Mechanic688 . Not ready to mess with TVs yet . Have been watching videos on breaking them down too.
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Here you go, lot of info inclosed here.
http://www.scrapmetalforum.com/showt...highlight=Hoss
i have heard of someone being killed from repairing, or trying to repair a microwave. it pays to ask questions now rather than pay for it later. i mainly do tvs, but finally did my first microwave last night. i let her sit for a month to discharge itself as i couldn't find how to anywheres also. good luck to you and your tool buying.
"Easy does it, first things first, do what you can. Believe me, I too have been through the wringer." Bill W.
Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
I've done hundreds of microwaves and never had a problem. The capacitors have a drain, so if they haven't been plugged in within the last couple days there is no threat. however check this out http://www.gallawa.com/microtech/safety.html#dischg
Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
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if the capacitor fails to "self bleed/discharge" then you will still have a charge of electricity in mfd waiting to bite you/knock you on your a**. if you dont know then scrap something else. and yes in my experience any coated screwdriver should do it
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I have broken down many tv's in the past, out of mayby 200 tv's only got shocked once. I also brake down every microwave I can get and I have never been shocked. I use wire snips with no insulation on them to pull all the wires off, never been shocked by a capacitor. Mayby I'm just lucky.
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I like to stick my tongue on the capacitors to discharge them. Kind of like testing a 9volt battery, except a much bigger rush! ... Just kidding.
Garbage keyboards > spɹɐoqʎǝʞ ʎɐqǝ
New Guy
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Ive heard of power supply from computer tower exploding if you try to tamper or break them apart. Are power supply scrap as is? Or do yu get some non ferrous metals out of them first?
Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
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Never heard of a power supply exploding. You may want to keep a couple of the big ones and convert them to 12v power supplies . I use them in my rc hobby as my battery charger is dc only.
Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
Ive never heard of a power supply exploding...i think its the same concept of holding a charge and giving you a good shock. I always let them sit around for awhile anyway...i break small stuff like that down while I watch tv.
Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
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Discharging a capacitor can be done safely with a plastic-handled screwdriver or a pair of screwdrivers with plastic handles. If you want to be extra-safe you could wear heavy gloves as well.
Just touch the blade and shaft of the screwdriver to the terminals of the capacitor. Sometimes you will see a small electrical arc when you make contact with the second terminal. If you're using two screwdrivers, touch each blade to a terminal, then cross the screwdriver shafts together.
The discharge happens very quickly. 10-15 seconds tops.
I just came across an old, antique screwdriver today that was a single casting from blade to handle, with wooden grips and exposed metal in the handle. You'd get a nasty surprise using something like that! Modern screwdrivers, however, have very little of the shaft extending into the plastic handle, and there is virtually no chance you will get shocked if you are careful not to touch any metal part of the screwdriver while discharging.
If you are adventurous, you could use a pair of needle-nosed pliers with an insulated grip, each tip touching a terminal on the cap. However, there is more of a chance of getting bitten doing this as the insulation over the metal handles of the pliers can be worn thin. Screwdrivers are safer.
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