Laptop static discharge
Related article:What You Need to Set Up Your Own DIY Upgrade Lab Show So often we are asked in reference to our OWC Instructional Series of Videos, How exactly am I supposed to Use proper anti-static precautions when performing this upgrade? The real answer isit depends. There are actually several different ways, depending on your situation, that you can help to control static electricity in order to avoid damaging the electronically delicate components found inside your computer. What is a Static Free Surface?According to Wikipedia:Static electricity refers to the buildup ofelectric charge on the surface of objects. The static charges remain on an object until they either bleed off toground or are quickly neutralized by a discharge. And its that discharge that can zap or fry your computer components, rendering them inoperable. To give you an idea of how little static electricity needs to be generated to cause harm to your computer components, it takes as little as 5 to 10 volts to cause damage inside your computer. In order for you to even feel the presence of static electricity, the level needs to be above1,500 volts. You can accumulate an average of10,000 to 12,000 volts just walking across carpeting. Rubbing a balloon on dry fur (or hair) generates about 20,000 volts.
How Are We to Be Safe When Working on Our Computers?Keep in mind the following suggestions are for working inside the computer itself these rules change when working on a monitor where grounding yourself can prove to be hazardous. First offPrepare your workstation. You want to work on a clean, dry, static-free surface. In most home situations, a cleared-off kitchen table provides the best place to work. And, depending on the likelihood of generating more static electricity in the area, no more prep to the workspace should be necessary.However, there are always additional factors to consider: Keep in mind the following suggestions are for working inside the computer itself these rules change when working on a monitor where grounding yourself can prove to be hazardous.
How to Discharge StaticThe other component to safe installation is to discharge any static electricity from yourself before starting. Just like when we were kids and dragged our feet on the carpeting trying to gather up as much static electricity we could in order to shock our siblings or friends, we need to discharge that shock before we start working on our computers. Many times, you wont even feel the shock happen as mentioned earlier, 5-10 volts can cause damage, but it takes 1,500 volts for humans to even perceive the effects of static.Once the static is discharged, we then just need to not accumulate anymore while were working inside the machine.
More TipsThere are a few other tips for static electricity control Id like to share with you. Many of these are more common sense than actual tips, but do bear mentioning:
With a little knowledge and a little common sense, you can upgrade your computer safely and easily! Other topics you might like:Mac Upgrades Made Easy with OWC New Instructional Videos! OWC DIYs Wont Void Your Macs Warranty Get Great Deals In The Latest OWC Garage Sale |