Preventing Electrostatic Discharge - HP StorageWorks XP10000 Disk Array Site Prep Manual

Preventing electrostatic discharge

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can cause component damage, especially during servicing
operations.
Static charges occur when objects are separated or rubbed together. The voltage level
of a static charge is determined by the following factors:
• Types of materials
• Relative humidity — low humidity tends to increase ESD voltage.
Rate of change — a standard air conditioner cools the air and lowers humidity.
•
The faster the air is cooled and dried, the greater the likelihood of ESD.
• Separation — refers to the static discharge that can be generated when two
objects are separated. For example, printer paper is often stored in cool dry
conditions. If opened and used immediately, the act of removing the paper
from its box generates static.
Follow these precautions to minimize possible ESD-induced failures in your computer
room:
• Install conductive flooring (conductive adhesive must be used when laying tiles).
• Use conductive wax if waxed floors are installed.
• Ensure that all equipment and flooring are properly grounded and are at the
same ground potential.
• Use conductive tables and chairs.
• Store spare electric parts in antistatic containers.
• Use proper cooling equipment to reduce the risk of ESD by maintaining
recommended humidity level and airflow rates.
• Leave boxes of paper open in the computer room for several hours before use to
allow static to discharge gradually over time.
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