Discharge Computer Monitor

After reading all these posts, everyone has their own idea of how to be safe with a monitor. The procedure used in the shop to discharge the CRT anode is to take a high voltage insulated flat blade screwdriver, and put a grounding wire to the shaft of it. The wire must be grounded to the main electrical ground of the monitor. The blade is then slipped under the suction cup, and held touching the metal anode contact for about 15 seconds.

Because of the high resistance of the anode cap and anode feed from the flyback, it is possible over time to build up some charge. The secondary build-up is not dangerous, but can give a nasty jolt.

The second part to be concerned with is the main power supply of the monitor. It is possible that the main filter capacitors can hold their charge for a fair amount of time. The procedure to discharge these is to put a resistor of approximately 100 ohms at 10 watts rated across each of the main capacitors for about 15 to 20 seconds. Care must be taken to not accidentally touch the leads.

As for the safety of all of this, a trained TV service person uses these techniques as necessary. When new at this procedure, the techs are doing this under supervision. In most shops it is not allowed to have people servicing monitors when alone.

As for the safety of taking apart a monitor, the CRT is particularly dangerous. There is a danger for implosion. The CRT is a high vacuum glbutt bottle of sorts, that can be extremely dangerous if accidentally knocked, or handled roughly. Protective eyewear and heavy clothing is recommended if removing the CRT from the cabinet. The phosphors used in the CRT are extremely dangerous if they get in to the eyes, or are breathed in to the lungs. If there is breakage of the CRT, there is the chance for exposure to the phosphors, if they are disturbed and become airborne from the inrush of the air.

This is why it is strongly recommended that you, as an end user, properly dispose of an old monitor or TV set. It is not something to be taken apart by someone who is not qualified to do so.

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JANA

I have an old nonfunctional computer monitor that I would like to use in an art project. However, I have read several scary posts about how a monitor can store a lethal charge of electricity. The posts mention several ways to discharge the monitor. However, the ways sound somewhat dangerous for a novice to try. My idea is to simply throw the monitor into a pool. The water should short out the capacitor and eliminate the charge, right?

If you see anything wrong with this idea, please let me know.

Thanks in advance