When working on a system, Joe, a technician, needs to prevent computer component failure by following a few simple rules. Joe is handling internal components but is not using an ESD strap. After…

The correct answer is B. Ground himself to the chassis. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can instantly destroy sensitive electronic components. When an ESD wrist strap is unavailable, the next best method is to touch the bare metal of the computer's chassis (while it is plugged into a grounded outlet but powered off) to equalize the…

Hardware

Question

When working on a system, Joe, a technician, needs to prevent computer component failure by following a few simple rules. Joe is handling internal components but is not using an ESD strap. After opening the computer, which of the following should Joe do NEXT?

Options

ARemove dust from the system
BGround himself to the chassis
CUnplug the power cable
DUse an antistatic bag

How the community answered

(30 responses)

A
7% (2)
B
87% (26)
C
3% (1)
D
3% (1)

Explanation

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can instantly destroy sensitive electronic components. When an ESD wrist strap is unavailable, the next best method is to touch the bare metal of the computer's chassis (while it is plugged into a grounded outlet but powered off) to equalize the static potential between Joe's body and the equipment. This discharges any static buildup before handling components. Removing dust is a maintenance task, not an ESD precaution. Unplugging the power cable is good practice before servicing, but if already open, grounding against the chassis is the immediate ESD concern. Antistatic bags are for storing or transporting components - not for grounding a technician during work.

Topics

#ESD#electrostatic discharge#chassis grounding#hardware safety

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