Safely Scrapping Power Supplies

Hi There!

Looking for some insight on how to safely break-down a few power surges and a car jump starter without getting electrocuted in the process. They're all very heavy (about 10 lbs each) which leads me to believe that there's some good stuff inside.

Can't wait to get my hands on it, but wanna go about it the right way. Should I cut the power cord first? Use a certain type of tool to absorb any electric shock? I did a forum search, but didn't come up with much information on this.

I've attached some photos for reference:

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=apc+b...9,r:1,s:0,i:81

Google Image Result for http://codinghorror.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a85dcdae970b0120a86d5acc970b-pi

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=dural...97&tx=61&ty=82


Thanks in advance!

The ups start with the battery and have it unplugged. Once its unplugged its safe to work on.

Another thing we do..when we are stacking them up for brake down here in our warehouse we will turn them on so the battery will drain. This is also good for when you stack the batteries up they will not discharge and cause a fire later on.

Thanks for the pointers, easyrecycle!

Yikes! "...A fire later on?" That sounds like danger, lol (lack of laughter)!

Hope I go about it the right way since I can't clearly see a battery with everything assembled...I let you know how it goes.

If it weighs 10 pounds, it definitely has a battery or two in it. There is usually a plastic slide cover plate on the side or the bottom to access it and disconnect the +/- terminals. Then you can unscrew the chassis and get to the innards.