Dell Alienware Area-51m Service Manual Download

Page: 11 / 111

•

When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not remove the component from the anti-static

packing material until you are ready to install the component. Before unwrapping the anti-static packaging, ensure that you

discharge static electricity from your body.

•

Before transporting a static-sensitive component, place it in an anti-static container or packaging.

ESD field service kit

The unmonitored Field Service kit is the most commonly used service kit. Each Field Service kit includes three main

components: anti-static mat, wrist strap, and bonding wire.

Components of an ESD field service kit

The components of an ESD field service kit are:

•

Anti-Static Mat – The anti-static mat is dissipative and parts can be placed on it during service procedures. When using an

anti-static mat, your wrist strap should be snug and the bonding wire should be connected to the mat and to any bare metal

on the system being worked on. Once deployed properly, service parts can be removed from the ESD bag and placed

directly on the mat. ESD-sensitive items are safe in your hand, on the ESD mat, in the system, or inside a bag.

•

Wrist Strap and Bonding Wire – The wrist strap and bonding wire can be either directly connected between your wrist

and bare metal on the hardware if the ESD mat is not required, or connected to the anti-static mat to protect hardware that

is temporarily placed on the mat. The physical connection of the wrist strap and bonding wire between your skin, the ESD

mat, and the hardware is known as bonding. Use only Field Service kits with a wrist strap, mat, and bonding wire. Never use

wireless wrist straps. Always be aware that the internal wires of a wrist strap are prone to damage from normal wear and

tear, and must be checked regularly with a wrist strap tester in order to avoid accidental ESD hardware damage. It is

recommended to test the wrist strap and bonding wire at least once per week.

•

ESD Wrist Strap Tester – The wires inside of an ESD strap are prone to damage over time. When using an unmonitored kit,

it is a best practice to regularly test the strap prior to each service call, and at a minimum, test once per week. A wrist strap

tester is the best method for doing this test. If you do not have your own wrist strap tester, check with your regional office to

find out if they have one. To perform the test, plug the wrist-strap's bonding-wire into the tester while it is strapped to your

wrist and push the button to test. A green LED is lit if the test is successful; a red LED is lit and an alarm sounds if the test

fails.

•

Insulator Elements – It is critical to keep ESD sensitive devices, such as plastic heat sink casings, away from internal parts

that are insulators and often highly charged.

•

Working Environment – Before deploying the ESD Field Service kit, assess the situation at the customer location. For

example, deploying the kit for a server environment is different than for a desktop or portable environment. Servers are

typically installed in a rack within a data center; desktops or portables are typically placed on office desks or cubicles.

Always look for a large open flat work area that is free of clutter and large enough to deploy the ESD kit with additional

space to accommodate the type of system that is being repaired. The workspace should also be free of insulators that can

cause an ESD event. On the work area, insulators such as Styrofoam and other plastics should always be moved at least 12

inches or 30 centimeters away from sensitive parts before physically handling any hardware components.

•

ESD Packaging – All ESD-sensitive devices must be shipped and received in static-safe packaging. Metal, static-shielded

bags are preferred. However, you should always return the damaged part using the same ESD bag and packaging that the

new part arrived in. The ESD bag should be folded over and taped shut and all the same foam packing material should be

used in the original box that the new part arrived in. ESD-sensitive devices should be removed from packaging only at an

ESD-protected work surface, and parts should never be placed on top of the ESD bag because only the inside of the bag is

shielded. Always place parts in your hand, on the ESD mat, in the system, or inside an anti-static bag.

•

Transporting Sensitive Components – When transporting ESD sensitive components such as replacement parts or parts to

be returned to Dell, it is critical to place these parts in anti-static bags for safe transport.

ESD protection summary

It is recommended that all field service technicians use the traditional wired ESD grounding wrist strap and protective anti-
static mat at all times when servicing Dell products. In addition, it is critical that technicians keep sensitive parts separate from
all insulator parts while performing service and that they use anti-static bags for transporting sensitive components.