Static Electricity = Nightmare for Computer Electronics

Did you know a single discharge directly or indirectly to a computer chip will more than likely fry it to a point of no return or it will malfunction?

If you have ever cleaned a television screen (old t.v.'s) you know what I am talking about. You almost ask to be shocked when doing so. Thankfully most equipment is grounded from the outside to the ground wire of the a three pronged outlet or to another ground source.

When working with any electronic equipment it is best to be sure you are totally discharged by touching something that is metal and not going to be damaged by shocking it such as a door knob. However, I suggest using your forearm instead of your finger tip, it is much less sensitive.

There really isn't too many options to prevent static build up. Static is a natural process of
electrons + and - attracting to one another to keep it simple. Static electricity doesn't move until it has a reason to, hence the word static. So, you are charged up, the other object is charged the opposite, you touch it, and zzzaapp!

Well anyways there are a couple of things to be done that will help with keeping static electricity away.

Humidity: If the humidity is low in the area you are at, a humidifier will help a lot.

Clothing: If your clothes are synthetic (polyester), try changing over to organic (cotton) based clothing.

Rubber Soled Shoes: This will help, but only in the effect of not gaining static through your shoes as easily, doesn't stop anything else from getting static. Try the difference of a dress shoe with a plastic or hardened sole versus a rubber soled shoe.

If you work with any electronics, be sure to ground yourself before working. Get a static strap that can be attached to your wrist or even a mat to stand on would be great. Too many times, especially when in an office, with tile floors and forced air heat, I have seen large sparks fly in these scenarios.

If you do not have this on hand and need to work inside the computer, place your elbow or forearm on the case exterior before getting close to chips, unless you want to replace boards:)

If the relative humidity is less than 35% in a room, getting a cold air humidifier will make a world of a difference. Humidifiers will help a lot, especially in a plotter room or where there are many electronics sucking the moister right out of the air. Laser printers, plotters (toner based), and similar equipment can act strange when there is no humidity in the are. Paper will not hold toner, toner can be dropped all over the print and even as far as equipment failure can be from static electricity.

So, be cautious when working around or with electronics during the dry months of the year, or you environment. Discharge yourself often, and think before you touch. Static electricity may be free, but it can be costly.