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.