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ESD SAFETY
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can cause damage to
electronic devices if discharged into the device, so you
should take steps to avoid such an occurrence.
Description of ESD
Static electricity is an electrical charge caused by the
buildup of excess electrons on the surface of a material. To
most people, static electricity and ESD are nothing more
than annoyances. For example, after walking over a carpet
while scuffing your feet, building up electrons on your body,
you may get a shock—the discharge event—when you touch
a metal doorknob. This little shock discharges the built-up
static electricity.
ESD-susceptible equipment
Even a small amount of ESD can harm circuitry, so when
working with electronic devices, take measures to help
protect your electronic devices, including your Palm device,
from ESD harm. While Palm has built protections against
ESD into its products, ESD unfortunately exists and, unless
neutralized, could build up to levels that could harm your
equipment. Any electronic device that contains an external
entry point for plugging in anything from cables to docking
stations is susceptible to entry of ESD. Devices that you carry
with you, such as your Palm device, build up ESD in a unique
way because the static electricity that may have built up on
your body is automatically passed to the device. Then, when
the device is connected to another device such as a docking
station, a discharge event can occur.
Precautions against ESD
Make sure to discharge any built-up static electricity from
yourself and your electronic devices before touching an
electronic device or connecting one device to another. The
recommendation from Palm is that you take this precaution
before connecting your device to your computer, placing
the device on a docking station, or connecting it to any
other device. You can do this in many ways, including the
following:
Ground yourself when you’re holding your mobile device
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by simultaneously touching a metal surface that is at earth
ground.
For example, if your computer has a metal case and is
plugged into a standard three-prong grounded outlet,
touching the case should discharge the ESD on your body.
Increase the relative humidity of your environment.
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