General safety question for working on TVs

[tucocaps]

I know this is discussed in all sorts of TV repair guides, but I'm still a bit confused on the electrocution risks when working on plasmas and lcds. I've forgotten to unplug, and seen some arcs and sparks because of that. I think I've also seen what appears to be some capacitor discharge. So far, I have not even felt a shock, despite messing up a few times.

How great is the risk of getting a dangerous jolt from a set, and what do you do to consistently protect yourself from that when working on TV's? Can even touching the top of a capacitor with your body cause a discharge? Thanks for any advice on this.

[SteveNielsen]

Re: General safety question for working on TVs

The top of the capacitor can is tied to the negative side of it, so yes, it is part of the circuit and potentially can discharge depending on it's use in the circuit and the condition of the circuit. Now bear in mind that you are working on a piece of electronic gear, there is something wrong with it to begin with so there is quite possibly electrical potential where it is not supposed to be, so you take precautions against the unknown and follow the standard safety guidelines.

Wear non conductive shoes (rubber or plastic soles) and when working near high voltage put one hand behind your back and take measurements with the other. The idea being that if you DO contact a live spot the current will not pass across or near your heart.

The most reported injuries suffered from high voltage shocks when working on electronics are lacerations on your arm or hand from it involuntarily spasming and hitting something sharp, like the chassis, case or something in the work area.

[budm]

Re: General safety question for working on TVs

You should at least plug what you are working on into the GFCI outlets.

[tucocaps]

Re: General safety question for working on TVs

I do have a GFCI because it's in my garage. The circuit sometimes blows anyway, because it's a newer house and they tie the exterior outlets to the interior gfci's. I have been too lazy to caulk my outlet on the back porch, so it's probably got some water in there again. Have replaced it , and not sure if I did a 20 amp or 15 amp outlet , or if that makes a big difference for safety risks.

I usually wear sneakers, crocs , or sometimes plastic bottom slippers with the fur inside. I never thought about footwear when working on a TV

[SteveNielsen]

Re: General safety question for working on TVs

Garage translates into concrete floor. Concrete is conductive. I'd throw down a rubber mat or at least some carpet remnants in front of your workbench to stand on.

[tom66]

Re: General safety question for working on TVs

A conductive floor can be a lifesaver as it is lower impedance than going across your chest vs going down your leg. Which would trip the GFCI.

You just need to be careful. That is all.

[Alastair E]

Re: General safety question for working on TVs

I use a home-made Isolation Transformer.....

Two 600VA 55V Toroidal Transformers connected back to back isolates from the mains but won't prevent electricution--by stupidity!

Always Unplug the set when removing leads, boards or anything else--Only have attached to mains supply when taking measurements/setting voltages--Only takes a second to pull the plug--About the same amount of time--it takes you to die if you dont and do summit daft!.