Electronic components

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is generated by two objects with different electrical charges when they come into contact with each other. An ESD neutralizes this difference, which can damage electronic components and printed circuit boards (PCBs). In general, the following measures are sufficient to neutralize this difference before contact is made to protect equipment from ESD:

• Use a grounded wrist strap that is designed to prevent ESDs.
• Keep all components in their antistatic containers until ready for installation.
• Touch a grounded metal object before you remove any board from its antistatic container.
• Remove any jewelry or metal objects from your body. They are excellent metal conductors that can create short circuits and harm you if they come into contact with printed circuit boards or areas where power is present.