Re: Total current in a high energy disharge.

[jim271@xxxxxxxxxxx]

Neglecting resistance in the external circuit, the peak current is 
given by:

Imax=V*sqrt(C/L) = 450*sqrt(7e-3/7e-6) = 14,230 Amps.

The actual current will be much less due to resistance but it might 
still be a few thousand amps.

The bleeder resistor can be 10K to 50K. If you use 10K, the wattage 
can be 20W. The discharge time constant will be 70 seconds, so it 
takes a while before the cap is safe. 

Always leave a resistor connected across the cap when it's 
disconnected. This keeps the charge that was stored in the dielectric 
from slowly recharging the cap to a substantial voltage. 

The bleeder resistor can be carbon, metal, or wire wound. Wire wound 
will probably be the least expensive. Inductance won't matter.

-- Jim 



--- In femm@xxxx, fucian@xxxx wrote:
> Ok, I was thinking of adding resistance to lower current draw.Im 
fully aware 
> of the dangers.I dont fool around like you may think.One thing is I 
need to 
> know the type of resistor to use as a bleeder.I know I need like a 
10K 50 
> watt or so but what TYPE is good?Im thinking metal oxide?
> 
> Matt