Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (
More info?)
In article <dp88e.3985$0V2.1131@tornado.ohiordc.rr.com>,
Leythos <void@nowhere.lan> wrote:
>I got an email about using one of those little computer vac's and blower
>units to clean systems, here is what I responded - in case anyone is
>interested.
>
>The question was about this device:
>Can you recommend the best antistatic products and steps I should use when
>I use this product below?
>
>http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/searchdetail.asp?T1=114+0570&dept=&search=&child
>
>
>Here is my reply:
>
>There isn't enough information available for the product you selected for
>me to know if the unit it going to generate static. What I can see is that
>it uses a standard 2 prong electrical cord, which means that it does not
>have the "earth ground" prong (the third one), so that also means that it
>might not properly discharge any static if it were to create it.
>
>When it comes to static and cleaning, I use a poof-can or a real air
>compressor - the cans are metal and if I'm grounded I know that the can is
>too (since it conducts through my body). With the compressor, it has a
>metal fitting at the end of the hose, so the same applies, if I'm grounded
>so is the air exiting the nozzle.
>
>When it comes to cleaning a computer, via air (inside or out) or via rag
>(only on the outside of the case), I just leave the electrical cord
>connected, turn the power off at the PSU and on the front - remember, the
>new P4 units almost always have power to the motherboard unless you can
>turn off the power on the PSU (the switch I was talking about)
>
>If you look at this power supply, just below the AV power connector there
>is a small black flip-switch, this would turn off the power and stop the
>supply to the motherboard:
>http://images.tigerdirect.com/skuimages/large/P456-4000-main.jpg at the
>same time, it leaves the computer properly grounded so you can use it as a
>good static discharge point (the case).
>
>When I hand ANYONE an electronic part, even if they have an ESD strap, I
>always touch them with my finger first - this puts us at the same charge
>level, so the part I'm handing them doesn't get zapped.
>
>When I put a new motherboard in a computer, I take the box (unopened) to
>the computer, touch the case frequently while opening the box and the ESD
>bag containing the motherboard, then only handle the motherboard directly
>once I've touched the case while also holding the ESD bag right before
>removing the motherboard. I touch the case frequently while working with
>the motherboard in order to maintain a static free install.
Moving air, by definition, creates electrostatic buildup. Grounding
the vac doesn't prevent it and grounding the vac and the PC just
provides an easy path for the discharge. Static below the threshold of
perception can damage IC components and the effects of damage may not
be immediate. An all-metal vac and a wire between the nozzle and the
chassis would probbaly be safe but I've never seen that.
I use a can of air instead of a power vac and use a wrist strap on any
part or system when I may get fired if it ceases to function.
I can't say with any expertese why a can of compressed air is safer
but I'll guess it's because (a) it's used intermittantly and
accumulates very little charge (b) there is no electric motor with
arcing commutator brushes that generate lots of lose electrons and (c)
It's cold and these is enough local humidity to dissapate the
charge. Maybe all three.
I agree that static damage is unlikely, but why take chances.
--
a d y k e s @ p a n i x . c o m
Don't blame me. I voted for Gore.
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