eMachines H3120 manual Preventing static electricity discharge, Opening the case, 144

CHAPTER 13: Adding and Replacing Components www.emachines.com

Preventing static electricity discharge

Warning

To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts, turn off your computer and unplug the power cord and modem and network cables before opening the case.

The components inside your computer are extremely sensitive to static electricity, also known as electrostatic discharge (ESD).

Caution

ESD can permanently damage electrostatic discharge-sensitive components in your computer. Prevent ESD damage by following ESD guidelines every time you open the computer case.

Warning

To prevent risk of electric shock, do not insert any object into the vent holes of the power supply.

Before opening the computer case, follow these guidelines:

■Turn off your computer.

■Wear a grounding wrist strap (available at most electronics stores) and attach it to a bare metal part of your computer.

■Touch a bare metal surface on the back of the computer.

■Unplug the power cord and the modem and network cables.

Before working with computer components, follow these guidelines:

■Avoid static-causing surfaces such as carpeted floors, plastic, and packing foam.

■Remove components from their antistatic bags only when you are ready to use them. Do not lay components on the outside of antistatic bags because only the inside of the bags provide electrostatic protection.

■Always hold expansion cards by their edges or their metal mounting brackets. Avoid touching the edge connectors and components on the cards. Never slide expansion cards or components over any surface.

Opening the case

Your computer case provides easy access to internal components.

Warning

To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts, turn off your computer, then unplug the power cord and modem cable before opening the case..

Removing the side panel

To remove the side panel:

1Follow the instructions in “Preventing static electricity discharge” on page 144.

2Shut down your computer, then disconnect the power cord and modem, network, and all peripheral device cables.

3Press the power button to drain any residual power from your computer.

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