Week One

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

ESD is the passage of static electrical charge from one item to another. A good example of this is when you rub your feet on the carpet and touch something metal. ESD can occur when working on a computer, and is known to be a killer of computer components. ESD can occur even when the user does not feel a shock. ESD only occurs when two objects that store different amounts of static electricity come into contact.

There are many ways to prevent ESD.  The first way to prevent ESD is the use of anti-static tools. The first tool is an anti-static wrist strap. This device consists of a wire that connects on one end to an alligator clip and on the other end to a small metal plate that secures to your wrist with an elastic strap. The alligator clip is snapped on to any metal part of the PC. Other anti-static tools include an anti-static mat, which eliminates the risk of picking up static once a component is removed from a PC. Finally, any electrical component not in a PC needs to be stored in an anti-static bag. These are the best ways to reduce the chances of ESD.

Sources:

What is ESD or ElectroStatic Discharge. (n.d.). Retrieved March 20, 2016, from http://www.computerhope.com/esd.htm

Meyers, M. (2012). All-in-one CompTIA A certification exam guide: (exams 220-801 & 220-802). New York: McGraw-Hill.