Safety and work practicesQuestion 339 of 1506

What is the text's method for discharging a capacitor?

  1. Short the terminals together with a screwdriver blade
  2. Connect the terminals to ground with a bare wire for 1 s
  3. Leave it overnight with the leads open and apart
  4. Connect a 20,000 Ω, 2-5 W resistor across it for 20-40 s
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Correct answer: Connect a 20,000 Ω, 2-5 W resistor across it for 20-40 s

A resistor limits the discharge current. Use a meter to confirm that the capacitor is empty.

Source: Troubleshooting Motors and Controls (Dickson-Self), 6.1: Testing Motor Components

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026