HP Smart Array (RAID) Host Bus Adapters manual Electrostatic discharge, Handling parts, Grounding

A Electrostatic discharge

This appendix discusses ways to prevent damage to your system due to Electrostatic Discharge (ESD).

Handling parts

To prevent damage to your system, you must take precautions when setting up the system or handling parts. A discharge of static electricity from a finger or other conductor can damage system boards or other static-sensitive devices. This type of damage can reduce the life expectancy of the device.

To prevent electrostatic damage, observe the following precautions:

•Avoid hand contact; transport and store products in static-safe containers.

•Keep electrostatic-sensitive parts in their containers until they arrive at static-free workstations.

•Place parts on a grounded surface before removing them from their containers.

•Avoid touching pins, leads, or circuitry.

•Always be properly grounded when handling a static-sensitive component or assembly.

Grounding

Use one or more of the following grounding methods when handling or installing electrostatic-sensitive parts:

•A wrist strap connected by a ground cord to a grounded workstation or computer chassis. Wrist straps are flexible straps with a minimum of 1 megohm resistance in the ground cords. To provide proper ground, wear the strap snug against the skin.

•Heel straps, toe straps, or boot straps at standing workstations. Wear the straps on both feet when standing on conductive floors or dissipating floor mats. Use conductive field service tools.

•A portable field service kit with a folding static-dissipating work mat.

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