Fiery E-41 - Creating an ESD Safe Environment

PREFACE 16
Creating an ESD safe environment
• Follow standard ESD (electrostatic discharge) precautions while working on the internal
components of the E-41.
Static is always a concern when servicing electronic devices. It is highly unlikely that the area
around the copier/printer and the E-41 is static-free. Carpeting, leather-soled shoes, synthetic
clothing fibers, silks, and plastics may generate a static charge of more than 10,000 volts.
Static discharge is capable of destroying the circuits etched in silicon microchips, or
dramatically shortening their life span. By observing standard precautions, you may avoid
extra service calls and save the cost of a new board.
When possible, work on a ground-connected antistatic mat. Wear an antistatic grounding
strap, grounded at the same place as the antistatic mat. If that is not possible, do the
following:
• Attach a grounding strap to your wrist. Attach the other end to a good ground.
• When you unpack the E-41 from the carton for the first time, touch a metal area of the
copier/printer to discharge the static on your body.
• Before you remove any of the E-41 panels and handle internal components, touch a metal
part of the E-41.
• Leave new electronic components inside their antistatic bags until you are ready to install
them. When you remove components from an antistatic bag, place them on a grounded
antistatic surface, component-side up.
• When you remove an electronic component, place it in an antistatic bag immediately.
Do not walk across a carpet or vinyl floor while carrying an unprotected board.
• During service to the motherboard, avoid using excessive force and always place the
motherboard on a grounded, non-metallic, static-free surface. Never allow any metal to
touch the solder contacts on the underside of the motherboard, especially beneath the
battery socket. Improper handling can short-circuit and permanently damage the
motherboard.
• Handle printed circuit boards by their opposing edges only and avoid touching the contacts
on the edge of the board.