Unplugged, but This Capacitor Can Still Shock You

Unplugging a power supply does not instantly remove the energy stored in its capacitors. This animation shows a simple rectifier and filter on 120V AC, residual voltage, bleeder resistors, and why directly shorting capacitor terminals can cause sparks and damage. The roughly 170V example assumes a simple bridge and filter without boost PFC; other supplies can hold much higher voltages. The 400V marking is the capacitor rating, not the measured voltage. The discharge tool must be rated for voltage, pulse energy, and peak power. Servicing mains equipment is for trained personnel: isolate power, measure, discharge using the appropriate procedure, and verify again. #Electronics #Capacitor #ElectricalSafety #Shorts