PIRA 5C30.20 - Capacitors: Short a Capacitor - A.K.A The Exploding Wire.

• Turn on the power supply. Charge the 400 microFarad capacitor by turning the switches in the back of the power supply, ONE BY ONE, starting with the 15 V switch all the way to the 120 V switch.
  
• Wait a few seconds and then disconnect the black wire by pulling gently.
  
• Turn off the power supply in the front.
  
• The Shield should by around the capacitor at all time.
  
• Short the capacitor by pushing down on the small copper wire, with the discharge rod. The wire will explode.
  
• Face shield is recommended. Connect the capcitor's terminals several time with the discharge rod to make sure that the capacitor is fully discharged.

Photo Shows the Apparatus Used by the University of Texas at Austin.

Drawing is by Courtesy of the University of Minnesota.

Update 1/98 - The University of Texas at Austin Physics Dept. - All Rights Reserved.