Flashes have capacitors in them...

GFWilliams

GFWilliams

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My flash fell over and the bulb broke, so I have decided to fix it myself.

I took it apart earlier and all was going well. I was trying to find the capacitor in it so that I could discharge it and then ****** :nuts::eek:

I flew backwards from my desk as far as my bed - my flash flew in the air, but luckily didn't break any more than it already was..

so the question is - I have now had the shock from it, is it now discharged and safe? :help:

George
 
At a guess I'd say yes, as they're designed to release a massive jolt in a fraction of a second...not sure though :lol: Lick it and find out :naughty:
 
GFWilliams said:
so the question is - I have now had the shock from it, is it now discharged and safe?
Click to expand...

Probably not. You are quite a high resistance and it would take a few minutes to discharge the capacitor with just your hand.

Do not try to discharge the capacitor just by shorting it out with something conductive. If you have one, temporarily connect a 10K resistor across it.

If you have a meter, you can measure the voltage across it. Firing it with it switched off should discharge it too if your flash does this.


Steve.
 
Can we see a pic of you now with your hair on end? :lol:
 
Steve Smith said:
Probably not. You are quite a high resistance and it would take a few minutes to discharge the capacitor with just your hand.

Do not try to discharge the capacitor just by shorting it out with something conductive. If you have one, temporarily connect a 10K resistor across it.

If you have a meter, you can measure the voltage across it. Firing it with it switched off should discharge it too if your flash does this.


Steve.
Click to expand...

I shorted it with a metal scewdriver I think.. not 100% sure though
Normally firing it while it is off would work, but the bulb has blown :(

Using a meter is a very good idea - Thanks :)
 
ChrisMClark said:
Lick it and find out :naughty:
Click to expand...

i know you are kidding , but being serious ......... , extremely silly thing to try , hopefully no one is quite stupid enough to try it , remember the 9v battery across the tongue trick , multiply that by a few thousand :nono: , just say no kiddies :rules:
 
Ummm... With your expertise - maybe you should start a TP repair service :)
 
paulyoung666 said:
i know you are kidding , but being serious ......... , extremely silly thing to try , hopefully no one is quite stupid enough to try it , remember the 9v battery across the tongue trick , multiply that by a few thousand :nono: , just say no kiddies :rules:
Click to expand...

230V tickles :D

(not on tongue but I have gotten a bit through my finger/hand a few times)
 
I got bit once by whatever voltage is strolling across the tube of a CRT television.

That smarted a bit I tells ya !
 
Borats Baby said:
I got bit once by whatever voltage is strolling across the tube of a CRT television.

That smarted a bit I tells ya !
Click to expand...

I hope it wasn't the fat red cable that plugs into the glass?
That's 30Kv my friend!
Fortunately, it can only supply microamperes - but burns you nicely.
 
zeugma said:
I hope it wasn't the fat red cable that plugs into the glass?
That's 30Kv my friend!
Fortunately, it can only supply microamperes - but burns you nicely.
Click to expand...

Can't really remember, I was about 10 at the time.

What I do remember is my hand clenching up around whatever it was I had touched, and not being able to let go. My whole arm was shaking violently and my knuckles went white.

I was sat cross legged, and had to get up and step back in order to release myself from it.

Put the fear of **** up me that did. Took me about 20 mins to get over the "aftershock"
 
Borats Baby said:
I got bit once by whatever voltage is strolling across the tube of a CRT television.
Click to expand...

I did this about twenty years ago. I had my arm at the back of the TV (without the back cover on) adjusting something. For a few seconds I wondered why the picture had disappeared. Then I wondered why my arm hurt.

I still have a slight mark on my arm now.


Steve.
 
years ago when we had the old balcar flash units my assistant changed a flash head with the capacitor charged normally not a dangerous move but he recived 5000joules and literally flew accross the studio.
We often complain on this forum about amateurs taking our work, learn by that and get it repaired by a pro technician he has children to feed as well.
 
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