2.2.2 Electrical Safety and ESD - Notes
Electrical Safety
- Always disconnect the PC from power before opening the case.
- After unplugging, hold the power button for a few seconds to drain any remaining charge from internal components.
- Never disassemble non-field-repairable components. The power supply is the main example.
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
- ESD is a static charge from your body or clothes that is suddenly released into a circuit through touch.
- It can permanently damage sensitive components.
- ESD-vulnerable components include the CPU, RAM, adapter cards, and motherboard.
How to Protect Against ESD
- Handle components by their edges or plastic parts and never touch the circuits directly.
- Use an anti-ESD wrist strap connected to ground.
- Work on an ESD mat.
Note: More detailed ESD and personal safety procedures are covered in the Core 2 course.