How to Discharge a Capacitor

Before working on any motor, be sure you discharge the capacitor. Capacitors store energy and can pack a serious and potentially dangerous jolt of electricity.

Things You'll Need

  • Alligator Clips
  • Slotted Screwdrivers
  • Unplug the power feeding the motor.

  • Pick up a 20,000-ohm, 2-watt wire resistor at an electronics store. Be sure it's a wire-wound resistor.

  • Stick a jumper on each end of the resistor, using two jumpers with alligator clips.

  • Clip one free end of a jumper to the flat edge of a standard screwdriver with an insulated handle.

  • Attach the final jumper to one terminal of the capacitor.

  • Touch the tip of the screwdriver to the other terminal.