What is the first step to safely discharge a capacitor?

Discharging a capacitor safely begins with disconnecting power to ensure that the circuit is not energized while you are working with it. This is crucial because it prevents any accidental electric shock or further charging of the capacitor while you are trying to discharge it. By ensuring that all power sources are disconnected, you reduce the risk of hazardous situations.

Once the power is disconnected, you can proceed with safely discharging the capacitor using appropriate methods, such as connecting a resistor across the terminals of the capacitor. This allows the stored energy to dissipate in a controlled manner, avoiding sudden discharges that could be dangerous or damaging.

Overall, ensuring that the power is disconnected is the vital first step before taking additional actions to safely discharge the capacitor.