IBM AA-RWF3A-TE manual How to prevent electrostatic discharge, Grounding methods

B Electrostatic discharge

This appendix provides the following information:

•How to prevent electrostatic discharge

•Grounding methods

How to prevent electrostatic discharge

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

To prevent electrostatic damage, observe the following precautions:

•Avoid hand contact by transporting and storing 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 make sure you are properly grounded when touching a static-sensitive component or assembly.

Grounding methods

There are several methods for grounding. Use one or more of the following methods when handling or installing electrostatic-sensitive parts:

•Use a wrist strap connected by a ground cord to a grounded workstation or chassis. Wrist straps are flexible straps with a minimum of 1 megohm ± 10 percent resistance in the ground cords. To provide proper ground, wear the strap snug against the skin.

•Use heel straps, toe straps, or boot straps at standing workstations. Wear the straps on both feet when standing on conductive floors or static-dissipating floor mats.

•Use conductive field service tools.

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

SAN Switch installation guide 129