General Information  87
Handling ESD-Sensitive Parts
Many electronic parts are sensitive to electrostatic 
discharge (ESD). To prevent damage when working 
with ESD-sensitive parts, observe the following 
instructions. Do these in addition to taking all the 
usual precautions, such as switching off the power 
and unplugging the power cord. 
•
Keep the ESD-sensitive part in its original shipping 
container (or special ESD bag) until you are ready 
to install the part.
•
Make the fewest possible movements with your 
body to prevent an increase of static electricity 
from clothing fibers, carpets, and furniture. 
•
Put the ESD wrist strap on your wrist. Ensure the 
machine is turned off. Connect the wrist strap to 
the serial bracket mounting screw. This discharges 
any static electricity in your body to the machine 
frame. 
•
Hold the ESD-sensitive part by its edge connector 
shroud (cover). Do not touch its pins. If you are 
removing a plug-able module, use the correct 
tools. 
•
Do not place the ESD-sensitive part on the 
machine cover or on a metal table. If you need to 
put down the ESD-sensitive part for any reason, 
put it into it's original container.
•
Machine covers and metal tables are electrical 
grounds. They increase the risk of damage 
because they make a discharge path from your 
body through the ESD-sensitive part. (Large metal 
objects can be discharge paths without being 
grounded.) 
•
Prevent ESD-sensitive parts from being 
accidentally touched by other persons. Reinstall 
machine covers when you are not working on the 
machine. 
•
If possible, keep all ESD-sensitive parts in a 
grounded metal cabinet. 
•
Be extra careful when working with ESD-sensitive 
parts while cold-weather heating is being used. 
Low humidity increases static electricity.