Electro Static Discharge or ESD
Short for ElectroStatic Discharge, ESD is one of the few things you can do to damage or destroy your computer or parts in your computer. Like the shock you receive when rubbing your feet on the carpet and touching something metal, ESD can occur when working in your computer and can cause damage to components. ESD can occur without the user feeling a shock and only occurs while working on the inside of the computer or handling an expansion card or other hardware.
Preventing ESD and grounding yourself
The best method of preventing ESD is to use an ESD wrist strap, grounding mat, or grounding workbench. However, because most users do not have access to such items, we have included the steps below to help reduce the chances of ESD as much as possible.
Tip: If you plan on working on the inside of the computer more than once, we highly recommend purchasing and using an anti-static wristband.
Zero potential
Most importantly, make sure you and the computer are at zero potential by continuously touching an unpainted metal surface of the chassis or the computer power supply case.
Standing - Always be standing when working inside the computer. If you are sitting on a chair or the floor, it can generate more electrostatic.
Cords or Leads
Disconnect everything from the back of the computer (e.g., power cord, monitor, and USB cables)
Clothes
Make sure not to wear any clothing that conducts an electrical charge, such as a wool sweater.
Weather Condition
Electrical storms can increase the ESD risk; if it can wait, try not to work on a computer during an electrical storm.
Accessories
To help reduce ESD and help prevent other problems, it is also a good idea to remove all jewelry.
Surface
You should be standing on a hard surface, and the computer or other electrostatic sensitive devices should be on the table.
ESD tools
When working inside the computer, you should have at the very least a wrist strap to help protect the sensitive components from ESD damage. If you run a business that deals with lots of sensitive equipment a grounding mat and even a grounding table is also highly recommended.
See our tools definition for a listing of other computer repair tools.
Other ESD related terms
Listing of other ESD related terms
Antistatic
Antistatic bag
Antistatic device
Antistatic mat
Antistatic spray
Static
Wrist strap
Comments
Post a Comment