The video discusses how to prevent electrostatic discharge damage to your computer. ESD occurs when there is a sudden flow of electricity between two objects with different charges. Components in a computer are sensitive to ESD and can be damaged. The best prevention method is to use grounding tools like a wrist strap, mat, or table. If not available, disconnect all cables, cords, and batteries before opening the computer and touch an unpainted metal surface to reach zero potential. Avoid wearing clothing that conducts static electricity and remove metal jewelry. Collect all necessary tools before starting work and consider standing to avoid generating static.
This video will discuss how to avoid electrostatic discharge damage to your computer, and discuss prevention measures you can take. Electrostatic discharge, or ESD, is the sudden flow of electricity between two objects.
ESD occurs when an object with a static electricity charge nears an object with a lower charge. Static electricity commonly builds up when there’s friction between two materials like walking on a rug or moving some type of plastic packaging.
Some of the components in your computer are sensitive to ESD and could be damaged. The best method to prevent ESD is using a grounding wrist strap, mat or table. These devices are designed to discharge static electricity safely.
Since most people don’t have access to professional grounding tools, we’ll show you some tips and tricks to minimize accidental damage to your system.
Whenever working inside a computer, disconnect all cables, cords and batteries before opening it, and press and hold the "Power" button for 5 seconds after everything is disconnected.
This will help protect you from unexpected shock, and also help to eliminate sources of ESD. The next step is to equalize the charge between yourself and the computer. The technical term for this is reaching "zero potential", although it’s often referred to as "grounding."
The easiest way to ensure you reach zero potential is to continuously touch an unpainted metal surface on your computer. New components come in a dark gray or silvery plastic anti-static bag.
They protect the contents, so leave the components in the bag until needed. When removing components from your computer, even damaged ones, immediately place them inside an empty anti-static bag. Most ESD issues can be avoided if you follow these simple steps.
We’ll now discuss a few methods to avoid building up extra static. Avoid clothing that conducts static electricity like wool and synthetic fabrics.
It’s also helpful to remove metal jewelry. Collect all the tools and supplies you’ll need before you open the system. You may create unexpected charge each time you walk away.
Consider working on your system while standing. Friction between your clothes and a chair or the floor can generate static. For more information regarding ESD, check your system manual in our online knowledge base at support.dell.com.
Thank you for watching.
