When handling a high voltage capacitor in an electrical circuit, you must ensure it is?

When dealing with high voltage capacitors in electrical circuits, ensuring that they are fully discharged before removal is essential for safety. High voltage capacitors can store significant amounts of electrical energy, which can pose a serious shock hazard if not properly handled.

When a capacitor is charged, it holds an electric charge across its terminals; if touched, this charge can discharge suddenly, leading to potentially life-threatening electric shocks or severe injuries. Therefore, before any physical handling, it is critical to safely discharge the capacitor to eliminate any stored energy, ensuring that the terminals are at zero volts or close to it.

This procedure not only keeps personnel safe but also protects sensitive equipment from being damaged by unexpected electrical discharges. Proper discharge techniques typically involve the use of appropriate resistors and safety equipment to control the discharge process in a controlled manner.