Question How to make capacitors safe in artwork

[bailsbails]

I make large 3D artwork from recycled scrap electronic components. I sometimes use lots of capacitors but how can I make them all safe? I sometimes use a screwdriver or a resister to discharge the bigger ones but is there anything different I can do to make a very populated circuit board with lots of capacitors on it safe for anyone to touch? Ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[kanewolf]

I make large 3D artwork from recycled scrap electronic components. I sometimes use lots of capacitors but how can I make them all safe? I sometimes use a screwdriver or a resister to discharge the bigger ones but is there anything different I can do to make a very populated circuit board with lots of capacitors on it safe for anyone to touch? Ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.

Just put a thin wire across the terminals. As thin as a single wire from an ethernet cable would be sufficient.

 

[bailsbails]

Thanks for the thin wire tip. The biggest problem with a busy circuit board is getting underneath all the different tiny capacitors. I wondered if pouring a thin layer of epoxy resin over it all would make it safe.

 

[punkncat]

Once discharged a cap is safe. The aspect that is important is that the size and possible output of said is considered. A "thin wire" across a big cap can result in shenanigans. Use the screwdriver method to discharge them and once that is done, assuming they are disconnected there is no future concern.

 

[bailsbails]

Thanks for that. I am not worried about artwork I make for myself but I've been asked to display some in an art gallery and I need to assure them that if anyone touches them they won't get a shock. I suppose the safest way is either to remove all the capacitors or put a glass case round it, but both would detract from the 3D effect.

 

[TerryLaze]

Once discharged a cap is safe.

It's safe for electric shock not really safe to touch since caps can leak and the electrolytic components are not really safe.
It's not a health hazard either but still you would want to avoid it as much as possible especially if lots of people, let alone kids, will be touching it.

I wondered if pouring a thin layer of epoxy resin over it all would make it safe.

I'm not sure if the electrolytes would be able to react with the resin dissolving it but yes, some sort of protective shielding should be used.

 

[bailsbails]

It's looking more and more like me not using capacitors at all is the only safe option. It's a shame because they are a very colourful or shiny part of the artwork. I just can't think of anything else to use to replace them and it's also the recycling components that appeals to lots of people.

 

[kanewolf]

Thanks for the thin wire tip. The biggest problem with a busy circuit board is getting underneath all the different tiny capacitors. I wondered if pouring a thin layer of epoxy resin over it all would make it safe.

You need something conductive. An electrical conductive paint would work. Coat the back side of the board. That would short between the terminals of the cap.
Unfortunately, if you search for "conductive" paint, it is EXPENSIVE and intended to draw circuits. BUT, ESD safe paint -- https://mgchemicals.com/category/conductive-paint/esd-safe-coatings/ is intended to cover large areas and is still slightly conductive.

 

[bailsbails]

My word. That's interesting, I've never heard of electrical conductive paint but I do understand what it is used for. Expensive yes, but it might just solve my problem. Thank you so much.

 

[The TrippyHippie]

Chuck item in a bucket of water? that will get in all the nooks and crannies and discharge all the CAP's then simply remove the item and dry it out, should do the trick.

 

[bailsbails]

That sounds a perfectly simple solution. I can do that but I wonder, how do I tell if it worked?

 

[bailsbails]

I've looked into it and apparently the consensus of opinions say it won't work. In fact, it might make them work better. Thanks anyway.

 

[TerryLaze]

If it's just about the shocking, capacitors discharge over time so any electronics that wasn't plugged in for years is going to have empty caps.
You can get a multimeter and just measure the really big ones just to make extra sure that they are completely empty.

 

[The TrippyHippie]

I've looked into it and apparently the consensus of opinions say it won't work. In fact, it might make them work better. Thanks anyway.

If your replying to my answer? I think you find water will short out the CAP's in the same way shorting with a wire but a bucket of water would be quicker just make sure your hand does not make contract with the water in the brief moment (ms) the caps will discharge due to water shorting them out, hench why i said "chuck" (Throw) them/it in to a bucket of water.

How big are these cap's anyway lol? not sure what would happen to a powerful fully charged cap (say out of a microwave oven) if that was thrown in to a bucket of water ? might go bang? I dont know enough about it apart from water and electric do not mix and i think water can double the voltage or amps or something not good for your health if you deciced to add apart of yourself to the mix (like a hand) making the shock that more dangerous .

yeah thinking about it your probs better off not playing with the BIG CAP's or do so at your OWN RISK .