Hardware Maintenance Manual
8
Handling electrostatic discharge-sensitive devices
Any computer part containing transistors or integrated circuits (ICs)
should be considered sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD). ESD
damage can occur when there is a difference in charge between objects.
Protect against ESD damage by equalizing the charge so that the machine,
the part, the work mat, and the person handling the part are all at the
same charge.
Notes:
1. Use product-specific ESD procedures when they exceed the
requirements noted here.
2. Make sure that the ESD protective devices you use have been certified
(ISO 9000) as fully effective.
When handling ESD-sensitive parts:
Keep the parts in protective packages until they are inserted into the
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product.
Avoid contact with other people.
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Wear a grounded wrist strap against your skin to eliminate static on
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your body.
Prevent the part from touching your clothing. Most clothing is insulative
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and retains a charge even when you are wearing a wrist strap.
Use the black side of a grounded work mat to provide a static-free
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work surface. The mat is especially useful when handling ESD-sensitive
devices.
Select a grounding system, such as those listed below, to provide
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protection that meets the specific service requirement.
Note:
The use of a grounding system is desirable but not required to
protect against ESD damage.
– Attach the ESD ground clip to any frame ground, ground braid, or
green-wire ground.
– Use an ESD common ground or reference point when working on a
double-insulated or battery-operated system. You can use coax or
connector-outside shells on these systems.
– Use the round ground-prong of the ac plug on ac-operated
computers.
Grounding requirements
Electrical grounding of the computer is required for operator safety and
correct system function. Proper grounding of the electrical outlet can be
verified by a certified electrician.
