Which safety step is specifically recommended before electrical troubleshooting to reduce stored energy?

• A. Discharge capacitors.
• B. Use a protective cover.
• C. Run the system at reduced power.
• D. Replace capacitors.

Answer: (B)

Stored energy in capacitors can remain even after power is removed, so the key safety step before electrical troubleshooting is to discharge those capacitors to bring voltage to zero. This must be done using the proper discharge methods and tools, following lockout/tagout procedures and the equipment’s manufacturer guidelines. After discharging, verify with a calibrated meter that the energy source is at zero before continuing with service.

A protective cover helps prevent accidental contact with live parts, which is valuable for overall safety, but it does not remove stored energy. It’s a supplementary measure rather than the method that reduces stored energy. Running the system at reduced power or replacing capacitors isn’t the appropriate first step to decrease stored energy before troubleshooting.