Exemplary apparatuses and methods are provided which provide a safety system that automatically controls charge and discharge of high voltage (HV) capacitors upon application or removal of HV power to a HV system (e.g., a surveillance radar) that includes different timing and sequencing for turn-on/turn operations. In one embodiment, an apparatus and method automatically discharges high voltage (HV) capacitors when HV power is deactivated. Another aspect of an embodiment of the invention automatically deactivates a HV capacitor shunt when the HV system's main HV power is applied or activated. Additionally, an exemplary apparatus requires no human interaction when shunting the HV capacitors, increasing electrical system safety.