When servicing a power supply, what should be done with connected capacitors to avoid shock?

Discharging connected capacitors to chassis ground through a suitable resistor is the safest practice when servicing a power supply. Capacitors can store a significant amount of energy even after the power supply has been turned off. Without proper discharging, touching a charged capacitor can result in a severe electric shock.

Using a resistor for discharging helps to gradually release the stored energy, thus mitigating the risk of a sudden shock that could occur if the capacitor were discharged too quickly. This method ensures safety by allowing the technician to handle the components without the threat of electrical hazards.

In contrast, leaving capacitors powered could lead to an accidental light shock or even more dangerous situations if the technician accidentally comes into contact with the charged component. Disconnecting and ignoring the capacitors does not eliminate the risk since they can remain charged even when disconnected from the circuit. Testing capacitance first also does not address the immediate safety concern; it assumes that the technician can handle potentially charged capacitors safely, which is not the case without proper discharge procedures.