4.4 - Managing Electrostatic Discharge

Question 1

What is electrostatic discharge?

Answer 1

• Static electricity
  – Electricity that doesn’t move
• Static electricity isn’t harmful to computers
  – It’s the discharge that gets them
• ESD can be very damaging to computer components
  – Silicon is very sensitive to high voltages
• Feel static discharge: ~3,500 volts
  – Damage an electronic component: 100 volts or less

Question 2

Controlling ESD

Answer 2

• Humidity over 60% helps control ESD
  – Won’t prevent all possible ESD
  – Keeping an air conditioned room at 60% humidity
  isn’t very practical
• Use your hand to “self-ground”
  – Touch the exposed metal chassis before
  touching a component
  – You’ll want to unplug the power connection
  – Always. Really.
• Do not connect yourself to the ground
  of an electrical system!

Question 3

Preventing static discharge

Answer 3

• Anti-static strap
  – Connect your wrist to a metal part of the computer
• Anti-static pad
  – A workspace for the computer
• Anti-static mat
  – A mat for standing or sitting
• Anti-static bag
  – Safely move or ship components

Question 4

Component handling and storage

Answer 4

• Try not to touch components directly
  – Card edges only
• Store in an HVAC regulated environment
  – Between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit
  or 10 to 27 degrees Celsius
• Avoid high humidity
  – Silica gel packets can help control humidity
• Store in the original padded box
  – Bubble wrap can be a good alternative