When working with capacitors, especially high voltage ones, a capacitor discharge tool is essential. It is a device that helps you drain capacitors safely before handling them further. While you can buy a capacitor discharge tool, they are just as easy to make.
To clean a circuit board with a leaking capacitor, first disconnect the device from any power source. If the device has a large amount of voltage stored in its capacitors, discharge the capacitors with a capacitor discharge tool before cleaning. Then, remove the damaged circuit board from the device.
Happy and foremost safer discharging! Safe Capacitor Discharge Tool: Discharging capacitors is often necessary when working on troubleshooting and repair of electronic equipment. In the old days, tube radios and amplifiers found in every households contained capacitors that continued to hold dangerous levels of charg…
Yes, in the sense that it will definitively discharge the capacitor. Is this the right way of doing it? No. It may damage the capacitor, and yourself in the process, and that is all I am saying on this. Actually, it will even damage the screwdriver, just for you to have an idea of the energy levels that may be involved.
To remove a burst capacitor from a circuit board, cut the leads attaching it with wire clippers and discard them. Brush away any dry or loose capacitor electrolyte from the circuit board with a toothbrush. Apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to the end of a cotton swab and wipe any remaining capacitor electrolyte from the circuit board.
Circuit boards can be cleaned even after a capacitor leakage issue. Capacitors are an essential part of any circuit board. They store up and release electrical charge, while also blocking certain kinds of current and allowing others to pass.