When Working Inside A Computer; Preventing Electrostatic Discharge - Kontron ETXexpress-WPM User Manual

When Working Inside a Computer

Before taking covers off a computer, perform the following steps:
1) Turn off the computer and any peripherals.
2) Disconnect the computer and peripherals from their power sources or
subsystems to prevent electric shock or system board damage. This does not
apply when hot swapping parts.
3) Follow the guidelines provided in "Preventing Electrostatic Discharge" in the
following section.
4) Disconnect any telephone or telecommunications lines from the computer.
In addition, take note of these safety guidelines when appropriate:
To help avoid possible damage to system boards, wait five seconds after turning
off the computer before removing a component, removing a system board, or
disconnecting a peripheral device from the computer.
When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not
on the cable itself. Some cables have a connector with locking tabs. If you are
disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before
disconnecting the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned
to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before connecting a cable, make sure
both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned

Preventing Electrostatic Discharge

Static electricity can harm system boards. Perform service at an ESD workstation and
follow proper ESD procedure to reduce the risk of damage to components. Kontron
strongly encourages you to follow proper ESD procedure, which can include wrist straps
and smocks, when servicing equipment.
You can also take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge
(ESD):
When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not
remove the component's antistatic packing material until you are ready to install
the component in a computer. Just before unwrapping the antistatic packaging,
be sure you are at an ESD workstation or grounded. This will discharge any
static electricity that may have built up in your body.
When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an antistatic container
or packaging.
Handle all sensitive components at an ESD workstation. If possible, use antistatic
floor pads and workbench pads.
page 14 ETXexpress-WPM User's Guide