I was reading an old repair manual and saw that a CRT television's flyback transformer can output over 25,000 volts.

Found that in a 1992 Zenith service guide, and it makes me wonder how many of you still work on tube-based gear and what safety steps you take for high voltage.

3 comments

3 Comments

hannahcraig6d ago

My uncle's 1978 Heathkit color TV manual has a full page warning about the "picture tube anode" voltage, which it lists at 27,5 kilovolts. He still insists on using a homemade discharge tool with a wooden handle and a clip lead, which honestly scares me a bit. The ritual of shorting the anode cap to the chassis with a screwdriver is something you don't forget.

wader716d ago

Listen to your uncle, @hannahcraig, that old voltage will still knock you flat.

dereks116d ago

Your uncle's method is the safe one. That homemade tool is probably fine if the handle is solid. A screwdriver alone is risky, it can slip. The clip lead makes sure the connection is solid before you even get close. Old habits from tube gear stick around for a reason.