Preventing Electrostatic Discharge Damage
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage, which can occur when modules or other FRUs are improperly handled,
results in intermittent or complete failures. Modules consist of printed circuit boards that are fixed in metal
carriers. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and connectors are integral components of the carrier.
Although the metal carrier helps to protect the board from ESD, always use an ESD grounding strap when
handling modules.
To prevent ESD damage, follow these guidelines:
•
Always use an ESD wrist strap and ensure that it makes maximum contact with bare skin. ESD grounding
straps are available with banana plugs, metal spring clips, or alligator clips. All Catalyst 6880-X chassis
are equipped with a banana plug connector (identified by the ground symbol next to the connector)
somewhere on the front panel. If you have an older Catalyst 6880-X chassis equipped with a plastic
banana plug connector, it is recommend that you use either the supplied ESD grounding wrist strap (with
a metal clip) or an ESD grounding wrist strap equipped with an alligator clip. If you have a newer Catalyst
6880-X chassis that has a bare metal hole as the banana plug connector (also identified by the ground
symbol next to the connector), we recommend that you use a personal ESD grounding strap equipped
with a banana plug.
•
If you choose to use the disposable ESD wrist strap supplied with most FRUs or an ESD wrist strap
equipped with an alligator clip, you must attach the system ground lug to the chassis in order to provide
a proper grounding point for the ESD wrist strap.
•
If your chassis does not have the system ground attached, you must install the system ground. See
Establishing the System Ground, on page 45
for installation instructions and locations of the chassis
system ground pads.
Attaching the ESD Wrist Strap
After you install the system ground lug, follow these steps to correctly attach the ESD wrist strap:
Procedure
Step 1
Secure the ESD wrist strap equipped with an alligator clip to your bare skin.
Step 2
Grasp the spring or alligator clip on the ESD wrist strap and momentarily touch the clip to a bare metal spot
(unpainted surface) on the rack. It is recommend that you touch the clip to an unpainted rack rail so that any
built-up static charge is then safely dissipated to the entire rack.
Catalyst 6880-X Switch Hardware Installation Guide
26
OL-30827-02
Preparing for Installation
Preventing Electrostatic Discharge Damage
