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APPENDIX
Anti-static precautions
Static electricity can cause permanent damage to electronic components. You
should be aware of this risk, and take precautions against the discharge of
static electricity into the computer.
Static electricity can be generated by moving on a chair, brushing against
desks or walls, or simply walking across an ordinary carpet. Items handed
from one person to another, or being wrapped or unwrapped, can acquire a
static charge. Air conditioning systems can also result in very high levels of
static.
Clothing made of synthetic fibres is particularly likely to generate static
electricity. Static electricity is often completely unnoticed by the wearer, but
can be sufficient to cripple or destroy sensitive electronic components in
computers.
The computer is especially at risk from static discharge while the covers are
removed, as the electronic components of not only the motherboard, but all
other boards are exposed. Memory modules are specific examples of
electrostatic sensitive devices (ESSDs).
All work that involves removing the covers must be carried out in an area
completely free of static electricity. We recommend using a Special Handling
Area (SHA) as defined by EN 100015-1: 1992. This means that working
surfaces, floor coverings and chairs must be connected to a common earth
reference point, and you should wear an earthed wrist strap and anti-static
clothing. It is also a good idea to use an ioniser or humidifier to remove static
from the air.
♦
When installing any upgrade, be sure you understand what the
installation procedure involves before you start. This will enable you to
plan your work, and so minimise the amount of time that sensitive
components are exposed.
♦
Do not remove either the system unit covers, nor the anti-static bag or
wrapping of any upgrade, until you need to.
♦
Handle static-sensitive items with extreme care. Hold expansion cards
and add-on components only by their edges, avoiding their electrical
contacts. Never touch the components or electrical contacts on the
motherboard or on expansion cards. In general, do not handle static-
sensitive items unnecessarily.
♦
Keep all conductive material, foodstuffs and especially liquids, away
from your work area and the open computer.
Note
Note
The rear panel of the server has an earthing stud available for use during
service work.
A p p e n d i x
APPENDIX
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