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| Thread ID: 21799 | 2002-07-04 05:45:00 | Antistatic Procedures | prism (840) | Press F1 |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 59761 | 2002-07-04 05:45:00 | I have noticed in PC World mags and others that tinkerers are recommended to unplug their PC before touching any internal hardware components. To properly ground the PC (and yourself if you are holding the case, or connected via strap) the best method is to leave the PC plugged in, but turn off the power switch at the wall. This will provide a proper earthed connection and minimise risk of static damage. I think a short dedicated article on this topic would be good as a lot of tinkerers have limited knowledge as to what 'static precautions' are, and often PC mags only use that brief warning before advising people how to play with the internal's of their PCs. |
prism (840) | ||
| 59762 | 2002-07-04 06:10:00 | Well Scott Bartley's "We Can Rebuild It (www.pcworld.co.nz)" article in July PC World says: "Either use an antistatic wrist strap or touch a part of the metal chassis of your computer case before touching anything inside (switch the power off at the wall but leave it plugged in so it is properly earthed)." |
Biggles (121) | ||
| 59763 | 2002-07-04 06:28:00 | That "switch off at the wall" is important too: ATX power supplies are not turned off. If they've got mains, they've got some volts on the motherboard. That's a catch. It fouls up the "remove the lithium to reset the CMOS" trick. But antistatic procedures are commonsense --- never touch anything that's gold plated. But it is surprising just how uncommon sense is. |
Graham L (2) | ||
| 59764 | 2002-07-04 07:55:00 | There are lots of different thoughts about this. More and more often I'm hearing that the PC should be unplugged. |
-=JM=- (16) | ||
| 59765 | 2002-07-04 09:37:00 | Want to do it properly? First, buy an anti-static mat. This should be connected to earth by means of a lead which has a resistance of between 1 and 10 Megohms, connected between the earthing point of the mat and the earth of a convenient power outlet. The wrist strap should then be connected to the earthing point of the mat (so that the user is also connected to earth via the resistance). The unpugged and isolated equipment is placed on the mat and can then be safely worked on. The principal here is that all components and service personnel will be at equal potential therefore eliminating static potential differences, but still be sufficiently isolated from the general mass of earth so as to avoid possible electric shock. Anything less than this static-safe workstation approach is risking your equipment and safety. | andy (473) | ||
| 59766 | 2002-07-04 09:54:00 | Given the intelligence of some punters, you would trust them to get the earth pin correct on an outlet? Consider the implications of strapping yourself to a phase conductor by the wrist... Sorry, I would sooner go for the Off switch on the outlet, and leave it plugged in I have dealt with static prone devices ever since the release of un-buffered CMOS logic gates and have never killed any with static. As long as your body and all components are at the same potential, the presence or absence of an earth is relatively immaterial. It is important for personal safety to have an earth however |
godfather (25) | ||
| 59767 | 2002-07-04 11:07:00 | You're right guys, this should be part of the FAQs. It is badly needed. It's really good of you to volunteer to write it. ;-) |
Susan B (19) | ||
| 59768 | 2002-07-04 11:32:00 | Unfortunately I think legislation steps in here, as we cannot promote the idea of non qualified people placing life at risk by opening up a PC case . While they may plug it in and leave the wall switch off, there is no visible isolation . To connect an earth from a socket outlet is very questionable as it may contravene the safety regulations as well, depending how it was done . Its admittedly a moot point that the power supply is (usually) self contained but access to the case internals allows access to the power supply unit, and I believe they have never been required to pass NZ safety standards? Now the unqualified individuals cannot get fined for doing all this if they are acting for themselves and not for hire or reward or another party, but PCW are not allowed to tell them how to do it? . Even though this forum is a free resource, I am sure they would be crucified for promoting activities that are illegal . I carry a few million in professional indemnity insurance, but not keen on claiming! |
godfather (25) | ||
| 59769 | 2002-07-04 11:41:00 | Hi Susan I wrote a bit of a run down on this issue some time back and was thinking of reviving it for the FAQ's along with my monitor test/focus and how to sort out external interference issues i.e. wobbly screens. I'll search them out and update/edit. I don't agree with Godfather on the legislation aspect. There is no legal impediment to any person working on their own appliance and nor is there any reason not to offer professional advice on how to do it right and stay safe at the same time. That's what I am offering. Cheers Billy 8-{) |
Billy T (70) | ||
| 59770 | 2002-07-04 11:52:00 | remember the target program had a bit on pc's ?? i think its a bit of a grey area . technically to work on a pc (for money) you need a electrical licence and you must put a safty sticker + paper work each time the case is opened . i'll bet u 90% of pc builders/techs don't have a licence or fill out safty stickers . i have only ever seen 1 pc with the stickers on . however a psu is a closed unit and the rest of the pc parts are low voltage . however to repair inside a psu you MUST be licenced . |
tweak'e (174) | ||
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