Related article: What You Need to Set Up Your Own DIY Upgrade Lab
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 is…it 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.
According to Wikipedia: Static electricity refers to the buildup of electric charge on the surface of objects. The static charges remain on an object until they either bleed off to ground or are quickly neutralized by a discharge. And it’s 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 above 1,500 volts. You can accumulate an average of 10,000 to 12,000 volts just walking across carpeting. Rubbing a balloon on dry fur (or hair) generates about 20,000 volts.
Did you know the average person can carry up to 25,000 volts of static energy at any given time? So discharging any built-up static energy before you begin is important!
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.
Prepare 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.
If you have a cat (or dog, or ferret), keep them shut out of the area you’re working in. Cats are living static electricity generators and combined with their curiosity to see everything you’re working on, make for a bad situation when working inside your computer.
Be mindful of the humidity. A humidity level between 35 and 50% is ideal. A cold winter day tends to have humidity levels too low and becomes a great environment for accumulating those pesky electrons. A hot summer day with the A/C running can also have the same effect. Now, too humid of a room isn’t good for electronics in general either; so use a humidifier or dehumidifier as necessary.
As mentioned, keep the workspace cleared off. Plastic garbage cans, telephones, cellophane, even paper being moved on your workspace can generate static.
If your workspace is prone to static electricity buildup
or located in a carpeted area of the house, or on a rug, or if you just want to be extra careful; you can always clean the area first with an anti-static spray. You can pick up anti-static spray in most mega-marts, hardware stores, electronics stores, and many places you buy your normal cleaning supplies from. Alternatively, you can make your own by mixing liquid fabric softener with water. Just spray on non-porous surfaces and wipe clean with a clean, dry cloth. For porous surfaces such as carpeting, rugs, drapes, sofas, chairs, etc. simply spray lightly and let air dry.The 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 won’t 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 we’re working inside the machine.
There are a few other tips for static electricity control I’d 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!
For more information ESD Anti static Intelligent Monitoring System, please get in touch with us!