Slightly OT: High Voltage question

[Samuel]

In the AC/DC song "Dirty Deeds..." -

I kid.

Seriously though, I'm interested in figuring out safety procedures for high voltage. I recently replaced a broken fuse holder on my Sovtek Mig100. Just cranked the case open, got in there with some pliers and the soldering iron - 15 minute job tops. I knew enough to avoid touching the ginormous metal caps - but I was pretty nervous. How close did I come to an untimely and rather embarassing death? Any resources I should look at before the next time I decide to take my life into my hands?

[Mike Burgundy]

Those caps carry a charge thats a serious contender for cardiac-arrest-cause-of-the-month, even after a long, long time of not being plugged into mains at all. However, the fuse is pretty often located at the other side of the powerswitch, so you probably (don't take it for granted) not hooked up to them in any way.
The trick is to *know* where all high voltage is, and stay well away from those areas. When in doubt, assume it carries high voltage. when not in doubt, check with a DMM that has ample range (600VDC+) anyway.
For safety, you should always drain the caps through a hefty resistor before mucking around anywhere near them. Keep in mind they will regain some charge after a short while (memory-effect).
Always keep your left hand stuck in your belt or backpocket (assuming you're right-handed), use an alligator clamp to connect one lead to the amp's chassis, and probe carefully with the other.
Use common sense.
Do *NOT* go into an amp that's plugged in and switched on, unless you're sure you really know what you're doing (it still raises the hair on the back of my neck, and I've seen a lot of amps)
hih