{"id":2225,"date":"2009-09-24T07:31:58","date_gmt":"2009-09-24T12:31:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/?p=2225"},"modified":"2020-08-03T16:24:59","modified_gmt":"2020-08-03T21:24:59","slug":"discharging-static-electricity-for-safe-computer-upgrading","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/2225-discharging-static-electricity-for-safe-computer-upgrading\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Discharge Static Electricity for Safe Computer Upgrading"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Graphic<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Related article: <\/strong>What You Need to Set Up Your Own DIY Upgrade Lab<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So often we are asked in reference to our OWC Instructional Series of Videos<\/a>, “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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a Static Free Surface?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to Wikipedia<\/a>: Static electricity<\/em><\/strong> 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. <\/em>And it’s that discharge that can ‘zap’ or ‘fry’ your computer components, rendering them inoperable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/span><\/em>!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

How Are We to Be Safe When Working on Our Computers?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Caution,<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

First off…<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Prepare your workstation<\/strong>. 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.\u00a0However, 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.
<\/wp-block><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n