A capacitor stores an electrical charge and can be dangerous because it can hold a lethal charge indefinitely, even when not connected to a power source. When used with a motor, the capacitor releases its stored charge in a surge to start the motor turning. In this role, it is referred to as a start capacitor.
Caution: Please read our safety information before attempting any testing or repairs.
Important Safety Notice: A capacitor can be dangerous. It can hold a lethal charge indefinitely, even when not connected to a power source. Never touch the terminals of a capacitor until you have discharged it. Never assume a capacitor has already been discharged.
Tools and Materials Needed
- 20,000 ohm wire wound resistor rated for 2 watts or more
- Two screwdrivers with insulated handles
- Two jumper wires with alligator clips on each end
Steps to Discharge a Capacitor
Step 1: Safety First
- Turn Off Power: Ensure that the refrigerator is unplugged to prevent any electrical shock.
- Wear Safety Gear: Wear safety gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself.
Step 2: Prepare the Discharge Setup
- Attach Alligator Clips to Resistor: Clamp one alligator clip to one wire of the resistor.
- Connect Jumper Wires to Resistor: Connect a clip from the other jumper wire to the other wire on the resistor.
Step 3: Prepare the Screwdrivers
- Attach Alligator Clips to Screwdrivers: Take the clip on the other end of either jumper wire and connect it to one screwdriver. Take the remaining free clip and clip it to the other screwdriver.
Step 4: Discharge the Capacitor
- Hold Screwdrivers by Insulated Handles: While holding the insulated handles of the screwdrivers, touch one screwdriver to each terminal on the capacitor.
- Wait for Discharge: Hold the screwdrivers in place for a few seconds. The resistor will slowly discharge the capacitor’s stored energy safely.
- Do Not Hold the Capacitor: Do not hold the capacitor during this process because it can become hot as it dissipates the capacitor’s energy.
Step 5: Confirm Discharge
- Check with Multimeter: After a few seconds, use a multimeter to check the voltage across the capacitor terminals to ensure it is fully discharged. The reading should be close to 0 volts.
Tips and Warnings
- Handle with Care: Always handle capacitors with caution, as they can store a significant charge.
- Use Proper Tools: Never short the terminals of a capacitor with a metal tool directly, as this can cause an electrical arc and damage both the tool and the capacitor.
- Consult the Manual: Always refer to your refrigerator’s user manual for specific instructions related to your model.
- Seek Professional Help: If you are unsure about any step or if the problem persists, consider seeking help from a professional technician.
By following these steps, you can safely discharge a capacitor, allowing you to handle it without the risk of electrical shock. Regular maintenance and proper safety procedures will help ensure your repairs are conducted safely and effectively.
