Computer Repairs

Static is a computers kryptonite, the danger of static is often underestimated by many people, you read the warning on the packet, break the seal and install the component, switch on the machine and it works.

There you go all this static malarkey over rated, or is it? I have looked around the internet to find a reliable source of information about this and to my surprise I have been unable to find any.

Static can build up on you when you walk across a carpet or materials rub together, at low levels you can not feel it but it is still enough to damage an electronic component at higher voltages you can see a spark and feel it as it goes to earth.

CMOS chips are susceptible to static discharge because the components of the chips are microns thick, imagine a 12000 volt spark on a wire so small that you can not see it with the naked eye, its not going to like it is it?

OK so zap it takes a hit at 12000 volts and it still works, the circuit can break but may regrow, this is Ok you have got away with it, think again that circuit has become weakened and is a likely candidate for the next breakdown in your system, static can degrade components, it does not always destroy them.

All training courses I have been on have a section about static, this is because a large majority of break down in components is caused by static discharge.

At Bristol Home Computers we always practice safe handling practices, I have seen engineers put down the portable static handling mat connect to earth and attach a strap to the computer, they take the component out of the bag and place it on top of the bag while they prepare the slot to put it in, all those precautions have in a second been negated, the bags are designed to keep static away from the component while it is inside the bag, this means the static is on the outside of the bag, the result a damaged or degraded component, I ensure all our engineers are adequately trained on static (ESD Electrostatic Discharge) procedures.