How long should you wait to do work on a capacitor after it has been disconnected from the power source?

After a capacitor has been disconnected from the power source, it's essential to allow time for the capacitor to discharge safely before attempting any work on it. The recommended time frame of 5 minutes strikes a balance between ensuring that the capacitor has sufficiently discharged and recognizing that larger or higher-capacitance capacitors may take longer to reach safe voltage levels.

Capacitors can hold a charge for an extended period, and even after disconnection from a power source, residual voltage may still be present. Waiting for 5 minutes gives enough time for most capacitors to discharge to a safe level, reducing the risk of electrical shock or damage to equipment when you work on them. This waiting period is a standard safety practice in electrical work, particularly with capacitors that can store substantial energy.