What is essential for ensuring safety when dealing with high voltage capacitors?

Discharging the capacitor before handling is essential for ensuring safety when dealing with high voltage capacitors. High voltage capacitors can store significant electrical energy even when they are disconnected from a circuit, posing a serious risk of electric shock if touched. Discharging the capacitor effectively neutralizes this stored energy, making it safe to handle.

The danger associated with high voltage capacitors comes from the possibility of a sudden and unexpected release of this stored energy, which can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities. By properly discharging the capacitor using appropriate tools, such as a resistor, you ensure that the voltage across the terminals is lowered to a safe level before attempting any work on it.

While using rubber gloves can provide some level of insulation, it does not eliminate the risk associated with charged capacitors unless the capacitor is fully discharged. Removing the capacitor while it is powered can be extremely hazardous, as it maintains the risk of shock. Using a heat-resistant mat is beneficial in certain scenarios, particularly when dealing with heat-generating components, but it does not directly mitigate the risks associated with high voltage capacitors. Discharging the capacitor remains the most critical step in ensuring safety.