October 26, 2007, Newsletter Issue #161: Beware the Static Zap!
Tip of the Week
You should always wear a grounding strap when working inside your computer. Just about everyone knows that, and most people who muck about with their Mac´s innards own one and know how to use it, or use some other method of grounding.
But believe it or not, it is possible to fry a mouse or other peripheral by touching it when you´re carrying a static charge. If you can feel the zap, you are transmitting 3,000 to 10,000 volts of static electricity, or even more. Your devices are vulnerable to 100 volts, or less. This is particularly a problem during cold, dry weather. If you feel a static zap when you touch a doorknob, or if your cat is starting to eye you warily after a few supercharged caresses, be very wary of touching your mouse or keyboard without discharging first.
How do you discharge? Just touch something metal, like some shelves or a filing cabinet, before you touch your machine.
Did You Know?
Handling an electronic device when you´re carrying a static charge is not what damages it. It simply becomes charged with the same voltage you have. It´s when you then ground the device (such as inserting a new DIMM) that the charge finds a path, and does the damage.
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