How to Discharge the Capacitor in a Sharp R1500 Microwave

If you happen to be a DIY electronic repairman and you like working on broken appliances, such as a the Sharp R-1500 microwave, you need to know how to bleed the power out of the circuit board capacitors to ensure you do not damage the appliance or electrocute yourself. Capacitors store power, and if you touch one before discharging the power, it could hurt you.

Things You'll Need

• 1.8 k or a 2.2 kilo ohm, 5- to 10-watt resistor

Instructions

1. Locate the resistor on the Sharp R-1500 microwave circuit board. A resistor is a cylinder mounted vertically on the circuit board. It connects to the circuit board with two lead wires that you cannot see when looking at the resistor. The leads go though the board and solder to the back.

2. Flip the circuit board over and locate the solder connections for the resistor.

3. Bend the leads of a high wattage resistor so the tips of the leads are the same distance part as the solder joints for the capacitor solder points. Use either a 1.8 k or a 2.2 kilo ohm, 5- to 10-watt resistor.

4. Touch the leads of the capacitor to the leads of the resister for three to five seconds. The power stored in the capacitor will bleed into the resistor. Make sure you do not touch any of the metal leads while you discharge the capacitor.

Tips & Warnings

• You can purchase a 1.8 k or a 2.2 kilo ohm, 5- to 10-watt resistor at most computer repair supply stores.

• It is vital that you remain grounded while touching the circuit board. You can purchase cheap grounding strips that go around your wrist and connect to a metal surface. This prevents your static electricity from damaging components on the circuit board.

References

• Sharp USA: Over the Range Models R-1500, R-1501, R-1502, R-1505, R-1506 Owner's Manual
• Electronics Repair Guide: Secrets To Discharge Capacitor That All Electronic Repairers Should Know