This digital capacitor discharge tool drains stored charge from capacitors rated 10 to 1000V in electrical appliances, and its voltmeter shows the voltage falling as it works. Choose the FDQ1A, which discharges a 100uF capacitor at 400V in under 3 seconds with constant current and a buzzer, or the FDQ1, which takes about 5 seconds and doubles as a 10 to 500V AC/DC voltmeter.
Features and Benefits
- Live voltage display - watch the charge drop; when the display goes off, the discharge is complete
- No polarity in discharge - touch the probes on either terminal without finding the positive leg first
- FDQ1A constant current with buzzer - no sparking, an audible prompt, and it keeps discharging to below 2V after the display goes off at about 6V
- FDQ1 voltmeter mode - reads DC or AC voltage from 10 to 500V, so one box checks the circuit and drains it
- Compact case - 95 x 58 x 31mm and 195g, it sits on the bench beside the board
- Ready to use - supplied with red and black test probes and a user manual
Applications
- Switching power supplies and TV power boards before repair
- Digital cameras and mobile phones on the repair bench
- Household appliance maintenance
- FDQ1: AC or DC voltage checks from 10 to 500V
Note: Unplug the appliance and disconnect the power first, and only discharge offline, never while the circuit is charging. For capacitors only: it cannot discharge batteries or electric double layer capacitors and is not an electronic load. Keep fingers off the metal probe tips and confirm zero volts with a meter before touching the circuit.
Model: FDQ1A or FDQ1. Rated voltage: Below 1000V, for capacitors from 10 to 1000V. Discharge speed, FDQ1A: 100uF at 400V in under 3 seconds. Discharge speed, FDQ1: 100uF at 400V in about 5 seconds. Discharge method, FDQ1A: Constant current, no sparking. Display: 3 digit digital voltmeter; FDQ1 reads up to 500V. Indicator: FDQ1A: display and buzzer; FDQ1: display only. End of discharge, FDQ1A: Display off at about 6V, then continues to below 2V after 2 to 5 seconds. End of discharge, FDQ1: Display off below 10V. Voltmeter mode: FDQ1 only: 10 to 500V AC/DC. Polarity: No polarity in discharge. Certification: CE. Dimensions: 95 x 58 x 31mm. Weight: 195g. In the box: 1 x digital capacitor discharger, 1 x pair of test probes (red and black), 1 x user manual. Case: White case with printed front panel, red and black probe sockets. Test leads: Red and black probes with right angle plugs. Extra socket, FDQ1: Side DC-2.1 socket marked Voltage Test Input. AC reading, FDQ1: Actual AC voltage is the reading multiplied by 1.1. Battery: None, case marked No Batteries. Use: Offline capacitors only, power disconnected. Not for: Batteries, electric double layer capacitors, use as an electronic load. Q: How do you discharge a capacitor safely with this tool? A: Switch off and unplug the appliance, then touch the two probes across the capacitor terminals either way round. The display shows the voltage falling and the discharge is complete when it goes off; confirm zero volts with a meter before handling the board.. Q: How long does it take to discharge a capacitor with it? A: The FDQ1A is rated to discharge a 100uF capacitor at 400V in under 3 seconds, and the FDQ1 does the same capacitor in about 5 seconds.. Q: What is the difference between the FDQ1A and the FDQ1? A: The FDQ1A adds a buzzer and constant current discharge, turns its display off at about 6V and keeps discharging to below 2V. The FDQ1 turns its display off below 10V, reads up to 500V and can be used as a 10 to 500V AC/DC voltmeter.. Q: Can it discharge a battery or a supercapacitor? A: No. It is designed for capacitors only and cannot discharge batteries or electric double layer capacitors, and it must not be used as an electronic load.. Q: How do you discharge a TV capacitor with it? A: With the TV unplugged, touch the probes across the large filter capacitor on the power board; TV power panels and switching power supplies are the uses the listing names. Wait for the display to go off, then check for zero volts with a meter.. Q: What happens if the capacitor is above 500V? A: The FDQ1 display shows 500V for anything higher and shows the actual voltage once it drops below 500V. Both models are rated for capacitors below 1000V..