Almost set a customer's house on fire with a bad capacitor swap

Was replacing a blown cap in an old microwave at a client's place in Phoenix last Tuesday and didn't realize I grabbed a 200V one instead of the 250V it needed. It smoked bad when I tested it - has anyone else had parts mix ups cause a scary moment like that?

2 comments

2 Comments

piper_burns1mo ago

Honestly, I did something similar but with a dryer once. Grabbed a 450V cap for a 250V line and thought I was being smart saving time. Fired it up and the thing started buzzing like a angry hornet before it popped and sparked. My buddy still calls me "Sparky" after that. At least you didn't actually torch the place, I had to air out the garage for two days.

wendy_jackson1mo ago

Bet you found that smell real special lol