Preventing Electrostatic Discharge
Static electricity can harm system boards. Perform service at an ESD workstation and follow proper
ESD procedure to reduce the risk of damage to components. Kontron strongly encourages you to
follow proper ESD procedure, which can include wrist straps and smocks, when servicing
equipment.
Take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD):
♦
When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not remove
the component’s antistatic packing material until you are ready to install the
component in a computer. Just before unwrapping the antistatic packaging, be sure
you are at an ESD workstation or grounded. This will discharge any static electricity
that may have built up in your body.
♦
When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an antistatic container or
packaging.
♦
Handle all sensitive components at an ESD workstation. If possible, use antistatic
floor pads and workbench pads.
♦
Handle components and boards with care. Don’t touch the components or contacts on
a board. Hold a board by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket.
♦
Do not handle or store system boards near strong electrostatic, electromagnetic,
magnetic, or radioactive fields.
vii
AM4520 User’s Guide
