How long should you wait before working on a disconnected capacitor for safety?

When working with disconnected capacitors, it is crucial to allow adequate time for the stored electrical energy to dissipate before handling them. Capacitors can store a significant amount of charge even after being disconnected from a power source, which can pose serious safety risks if not properly managed.

The standard safety protocol recommends waiting for at least 5 minutes after disconnection. This timeframe is generally accepted as sufficient for most capacitors to discharge, provided that they do not have a very high capacitance or specific circumstances that would affect their discharge time. This allows time for any remaining voltage to equalize, minimizing the risk of electric shock when working on or near the components.

In this case, 5 minutes is the correct choice as it adheres to safety best practices for working with electrical components, ensuring a safer working environment. Shorter waiting periods may not provide enough time for full discharge, increasing the potential hazard during maintenance or repair work.