What is the purpose of a 'bleeder resistor' in a high-voltage circuit?

The purpose of a bleeder resistor in a high-voltage circuit is to safely discharge capacitors after the power is turned off. High-voltage capacitors can store a significant amount of electrical energy, and this energy can remain stored for a considerable time even after the circuit is de-energized. This stored energy poses a shock hazard to personnel who may come into contact with the circuit. The bleeder resistor is a resistor with a relatively high resistance value that is connected in parallel with the capacitor. It provides a path for the stored charge to slowly discharge, reducing the voltage across the capacitor to a safe level within a reasonable time. The resistance value of the bleeder resistor is chosen to provide a discharge time that is fast enough to ensure safety but slow enough to avoid excessive current flow through the resistor. The bleeder resistor also helps to prevent voltage buildup on the capacitor due to leakage current. Even in the absence of an external power source, capacitors can slowly accumulate charge due to leakage current. The bleeder resistor provides a continuous path for this leakage current to flow, preventing the capacitor from charging up to a hazardous voltage level. Bleeder resistors are an essential safety component in high-voltage circuits, ensuring that capacitors are safely discharged before maintenance or repair work is performed.