What are some safety issues of Inductors and Capacitors?

Answer 1

Capacitors = stored energy, leaking dieletric (if hazardous), and/or reverse polarity may cause rupture/failure. Over-voltage can cause failure also. Always store de-energized and shorted.

Inductors = No hazard if de-energized. Inductors in service with an over-current condition can overheat and cause burns or failure of the component.

Answer 2

Both of these types of components store energy - and in some cases enough energy to really hurt you.

Even after the power is switched off there can be enough stored energy to really zap you (and in some systems even kill you). Make sure the system is discharged before poking around in there.

DON'T short the terminals of a capacitor with a screwdriver - not only can you end up spot-welding the screwdriver to the terminals, you can cause the electrolyte to overheat and boil which can result in the capacitor exploding. With even higher power capacitors you could melt the screwdriver and have molten metal go flying.

Answer 3

capacitors remain charged indefinitely even after being disconnected. Rule of thumb - if the cap is bigger than, say, a package of cigarettes and can be charged to more than a hundred volts, it can be dangerous.

Inductors create a voltage spike if they are abruptly disconnected from a circuit while carrying current. This can create an arc through the air, potentially going through your body.

Answer 4

Always avoid the "hot" pole