this post was submitted on 23 Nov 2024
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I came up with this question right after I wanted to take apart a microwave to see why it wasn't heating anything before I remembered that that's a very, VERY bad idea

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[โ€“] [email protected] 3 points 2 hours ago* (last edited 2 hours ago)

I too was going to say microwave before reading the post body. Honestly though anything with a large capacitor, I can't give you examples unfortunately because I study physics not electrical engineering but some of those fat fucking capacitors will fry you and they hold their charge.

[โ€“] [email protected] 5 points 3 hours ago

I was actually going to say microwaves, but specifically the thing where people use the parts to make those things where you can burn fractals into wood. They look super cool but apparently if you brush up against the wrong component your heart just stops.

[โ€“] [email protected] 3 points 20 hours ago

I had a problem with the control panel in my Panasonic microwave and was able to fix it pretty easily. Everything I needed to get to was inside the right front of the microwave; the control pad membrane and the sticker that goes on the front of it.

[โ€“] [email protected] 2 points 21 hours ago

This is why we have specialized people who you call to handle these things.

[โ€“] [email protected] 25 points 23 hours ago (1 children)

DO NOT backfeed your house's electricity with a generator when your electricity gets shut down. You might electrocute someone working on those lines.

[โ€“] [email protected] 11 points 20 hours ago* (last edited 20 hours ago)

At least have it set up downstream of the main shut off and make sure that main is off before firing up the generator. There are devices available commercially that do that for you but they aren't cheap and require professional installation.

[โ€“] [email protected] 14 points 1 day ago
[โ€“] [email protected] 30 points 1 day ago

Old CRT monitors. Particularly if they've been recently unplugged. There's a cable in there my old teacher used to call "the superman cable".

[โ€“] [email protected] 22 points 1 day ago

Ok firstly.

Never, work on anything that is still connected to a power supply.

This includes any stored energy. Isolate it first. Gravitational, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic and chemical (if possible).

Don't fuck with stored energy.

Secondly.

Learn how to test if things are live, or have any stored energy.

Thirdly.

Once you KNOW you are safe. Go hard, learn all you can.

[โ€“] [email protected] 8 points 1 day ago (1 children)
[โ€“] [email protected] 1 points 2 hours ago

Seconded, they are basically eldritch as far as I am concerned

[โ€“] [email protected] 21 points 1 day ago (1 children)

You can harvest the transformers for a couple junk microwaves to make an arc welder.

If you aren't experienced then pretty much all power supplies, battery backups, and motors should be left to someone else.

I saw someone lose a finger (later reattached) to a washing machine with a jammed tub. It was plugged in and on when they reached underneath it and yanked the belt, their sleeve ducked their hand into the drive wheel.

That said, if it fits your personality it can be both fun and satisfying to learn how to fix stuff. I try to teach anyone who's interested and asks. Except LG washing machines, those things can fuck right off.

[โ€“] [email protected] 10 points 1 day ago (2 children)

How did they reattach the finger to the washing machine?

[โ€“] [email protected] 3 points 22 hours ago

super glue. Don't get it on your eyelids, though.

[โ€“] [email protected] 5 points 1 day ago

Duct tape of course

[โ€“] [email protected] 10 points 1 day ago

Air conditioner. I melted a screwdriver.

[โ€“] [email protected] 32 points 1 day ago (2 children)

Desktop computer power supplies. Don't open them.

[โ€“] [email protected] 8 points 22 hours ago

BS. Just drain capacitors. I've repaired a few (worthwhile ones) by replacing caps. You just need to know how. As with anything, read up.

[โ€“] [email protected] 26 points 1 day ago

How else am I supposed to put the magic smoke back in?

[โ€“] [email protected] 14 points 1 day ago

kids today don't know about the scary suction cup on crts

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