Re: capacitors
An old analog voltmeter is the best way to discharge the cap. Plus, you can see if it is discharged.
Bryan:
I also belive tha NEMA/ANSI standards require discharge circuits in equipment that have capacitors.
I don't think that standard would apply to a consumer appliance. It would also be almost impossible to implement for some appliances.
I believe microwave ovens are the most dangerous appliance to unsuspecting service people. They have a large cap. charged to a high voltage and is capable of delivering a very high current. Don't try shorting it with a screwdriver unless you are wearing arc flash protection.
Also CRT tubes act like capacitors. I don't know how, but they can manage to recharge themselves even after being discharged. They recharge more if they are given the "screwdriver" discharge. It is best to discharge them slowly through a hight voltage meter.
Steve