UPS/SERVER/and other IT gear that might hold a charge

One day sooner then later i'm going to get a call to pickup some IT gear..
Lets say i show up and they have a UPS rack.. Lets say its 1000 pounds and i need to start taking it apart
What things should i be looking out for to make sure i don't kill myself..
Obviously first thing i should be doing is disconnecting any power source or D/c the batteries?
What about when i break it down, don't those transformers hold HUGE power surges for days on end?

Maybe even leave me a list of possible/dangerous things to watch out for when scrapping industrial IT gear.
Kinda like how CRT monitors can zap you if they are plugged in prior.

Sorry if this has been brought up in the past, i couldn't find any topics on it and i wanted to ask sooner then later

Thank you kindly

It's alright to ask. We're glad to help!

I don't break down any PSUs. If you do, make sure everything's completely discharged. The capacitors are massive. Even computer PSUs can zap you badly.

Don't open batteries, period.

When you move UPS systems, keep them upright, and you should be fine there.

Here is one way to do it .

http://www.scrapmetalforum.com/scrap...-possible.html

I let almost all my items sit on a cold concrete floor for a few weeks minimum if I feel there is any risk associated .

Be safe ! Enjoy that thread .

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Originally Posted by Metalbestos

Here is one way to do it .

http://www.scrapmetalforum.com/scrap...-possible.html

I let almost all my items sit on a cold concrete floor for a few weeks minimum if I feel there is any risk associated .

Be safe ! Enjoy that thread .

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Thx this is what i was worried about haha

I Would never open batteries :) So basically unhook all batterys from UPS then let it sit on a concrete floor for a few days to discharge?

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Originally Posted by Jdscrapz

I Would never open batteries :) So basically unhook all batterys from UPS then let it sit on a concrete floor for a few days to discharge?

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I think you have the order backwards , if I fear somthing having a charge , I leave it sit BEFORE I tear into it . My experience with monitors at least . Please be safe .

With battery backups and various computer power supplies they can and do sometimes hold a residual charge. IN a UPS yes you need to remove the battery first. After that you can discharge it by attempting to power it up or plug in a load OR like metal said above me, leave it alone for a while. Most electrolytics cannot hold a charge for more than a few days. But some high end caps can hold a charge for weeks. Just take it easy, work smart, don't take apart anything that was just plugged in.

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What about when i break it down, don't those transformers hold HUGE power surges for days on end?

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It's not usually the transformers but the can capacitors that can hold a charge. There is supposed to be a discharge circuit built in on a lot of electronic's but you could be risking your health/life to some resistors/transistors that may or may not already be blown and not capable to do their job (which is to protect you).

In the Google Search Bar type...keywords site:scrapmetalforum.com

Example. ups shock site:scrapmetalforum.com

Results.

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q...metalforum.com

oh I have had things spark and pop but I use non conductive tools and gloves that also protect against this I still get hard strong steel tools but with good ends and always making sure they are taken care of but I find most my tools though so not sure what costs what since prices have gone so far up. ratchets I spray coat them but gloves work the best to help