This capacitor discharger is a tweezer pen for draining capacitors of up to 1000uF at 375V; the back of its board is printed DC 5V to 650V, and the published supported range is DC 5 to 375V, DC 10 to 650V and AC up to 260V. It discharges at a constant current of 18mA or less without a spark, and its LED, visible from both sides, goes out at about 3.5V. The non-polar probes extend up to 30mm and their spacing adjusts for small parts and crowded boards.
Features and Benefits
- Tweezer probes with adjustable spacing - pick up both terminals of small and SMT capacitors with one hand
- Constant current, 18mA or less - controlled, spark free draining that protects the operator and the board
- LED visible from both sides - easy to read at any angle
- Non-polar probes - either probe can sit on either terminal
- Extendable probes, up to 30mm - extra reach and a safer grip distance, retract for storage
- Voltage range printed on the board - the DC 5V to 650V marking stays readable on the back
Applications
- Electrolytic capacitors on power supply boards after power-off
- Electronics repair and component inspection
- Production testing and PCB maintenance
- SMT components and dense circuit testing
Note: Disconnect the power first, check the capacitor rating against the pen, and do not touch the circuit or exposed metal during discharge. Avoid long discharges and let the pen cool after a large capacitor. Always confirm zero volts with a meter before handling.
Product type: Tweezer capacitor discharge pen. Maximum discharge capacitance: 1000uF at 375V, cool before discharging again. Supported voltage: DC 5 to 375V, DC 10 to 650V, AC up to 260V. Board marking: DC 5V to 650V. Discharge method: Constant current, 18mA or less, spark free. End-of-discharge voltage: About 2.3V. Indicator: LED visible from both sides, off at about 3.5V. Polarity: Not polarity sensitive. Probes: Tweezer type, extendable up to 30mm, adjustable spacing. Dimensions: 116 x 14 mm. In the box: 1 x capacitor discharge pen. Board code: YH230, printed on the back of the board. Construction: Circuit board under a clear sleeve, black probe sleeves. Probe tips: Gold coloured pointed pin tips. Battery: None included. Use condition: Discharge only after the machine or power board is powered off. Duty: Avoid long continuous discharges and allow heat to dissipate. Package contents: 1 x capacitor discharge pen. Q: How do you discharge a capacitor with this pen? A: Power off and disconnect the equipment, place both probes on the capacitor terminals and hold them there while the LED is lit. When it goes out the capacitor is at about 3.5V, so check for zero volts with a meter before handling.. Q: What is the difference between the 375V and 650V figures? A: The listing publishes a maximum discharge of 1000uF at 375V and a supported range of DC 5 to 375V and DC 10 to 650V, and the back of the board is printed DC 5V to 650V. The 1000uF maximum is quoted at 375V, not at 650V.. Q: Do I need to match the probes to positive and negative? A: No. The pen does not distinguish between positive and negative, so either probe can go on either terminal.. Q: How do you safely discharge capacitors on a crowded SMD board? A: Grip both terminals of the part with the tweezer probes, keep your fingers off the circuit and exposed metal, and lift off only after the LED has gone out. Confirm zero volts with a meter afterwards.. Q: Does the pen spark on contact? A: It discharges at a constant current of 18mA or less, which the listing describes as safe and spark free..