How to Discharge a CRT Monitor

A guide to safely discharging a CRT monitor without getting shocked

Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: February 21, 2025

If you need to make internal adjustments to a CRT monitor, it's safe to discharge it first. A CRT monitor has a high-voltage anode inside it, which can carry a charge of up to 25,000 volts. If you don't discharge the monitor (and if you do, but improperly,) you can get electrocuted. Know what you're doing before you obey this article!

Steps

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If you can afford to waste a lot of time, twenty-four hours would be better.

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Take off all your jewelry, especially rings and watches. You don't want to be grounded in any way.
A Swiss Army knife is not acceptable.
This could lead to embarrassment.
Slide the screwdriver blade under the suction cup until you hear a loud pop and see a blue flash.

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I directly removed the suction cup, and I did the wikiHow process with a screwdriver and copper wire, but I have not heard any pop up sound. Does that mean it's discharged completely?

Community Answer

It means that the discharge is complete. If it gave the pop up sound it might need a new replacement part.

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Alternative Solution

Unplug the monitor. (As said above)
Carefully unscrew housing and remove.
Wear electric resistant gloves. (Non-conductive material)
Prepare with a flat-tip screwdriver and a jumper cable with alligator clip ends.
Begin by clipping one end of the jumper cable to the screwdriver.
Follow up by clipping the other end to 'ground'. (Ground is usually a large metal area, usually in which the CRT monitor is mounted on)
Slide the flat-tip screwdriver under the anode suction cup. (Aim towards the middle, where the anode actually is)
You may or may not have heard a sign of success, (Such as noted above) but you have completed the task successfully. Always wear protective gear during the process!

Tips

The loud pop will bring anyone within hearing distance running. Reassure them.

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If you are jittery about electricity, do not carry out this procedure. You are more likely to make a mistake if you are nervous. Take it to a professional.

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Minor amounts of static electricity may continue to collect after the discharge: if you are not servicing this circuit immediately you must repeat the discharge procedure before working on the circuit. Also, briefly discharge or short especially the large capacitors to avoid similar shock surprises.

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Warnings

Protect your eyes in case the CRT implodes (not likely.)

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You don't want to be grounded. Make sure that, during the entire procedure, you are not accidentally allowing yourself to be grounded.

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If you have any doubts whatsoever, DO NOT carry out this procedure. If you mess up, you could be shocked, or even electrocuted. Ask for professional assistance.

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