If a capacitor has a misshapen case, how should you treat it when asked to re-fuse?

When a capacitor has a misshapen case, it is a significant indicator that it may be internally damaged or have failed in a way that could potentially lead to an explosion or other hazardous conditions. Capacitors store electrical energy, and if they are compromised, they can discharge violently or even burst due to the build-up of pressure from gases produced during failure.

Treating a misshapen capacitor as a potential explosive is crucial for safety. This means taking appropriate precautions, such as isolating the device, wearing protective equipment, and following proper protocols for handling potentially dangerous components.

In contrast, considering the capacitor as a standard capacitor could lead to unsafe practices, as one might not take the necessary precautions needed for a device that could present an explosion risk. Likewise, treating it as a non-functional device or as an energized load underestimates the potential dangers associated with the physical state of the capacitor and may lead to accidents during handling or disposal. The safest approach is always to err on the side of caution when dealing with possibly defective electronic components.