Abstract: A system or method for discharging an energy source is disclosed. The system includes a circuit that provides a controlled discharge path through a relayed shunt-resistor network. A positive terminal and a negative terminal are provided for connecting the circuit to an external voltage source. A meter measures an instantaneous voltage of the external voltage source. A discharge switch is connected between the input terminal and the shunt-resistor network. A meter switch connects to the meter circuit to a voltage meter to display the voltage measured across the positive and negative terminal. The positive and negative terminals are electrically isolated when the discharge switch and the meter switch are switched to an open state. The high voltage discharge unit gently dissipates the stored energy on a capacitor, properly disabling a firing system, by providing a controlled discharge path through a relayed high voltage shunt resistor network.