How to Avoid Electrostatic Discharge

Use the following procedure to prevent static damage whenever you are accessing any of the internal components of the system.

Before You Begin

Complete this task:

• "How to Power Off the System"

You must have the following items:

• Antistatic wrist or foot strap

• Antistatic mat (or the equivalent)

What to Do

Printed circuit boards and hard disk drives contain electronic components that are extremely sensitive to static electricity. Ordinary amounts of static from your clothes or the work environment can destroy components. Do not touch the components themselves or any metal parts without taking proper antistatic precautions.

1. Disconnect the AC power cord from the wall power outlet only if you will be handling the power distribution board.

   The AC power cord provides a discharge path for static electricity, so you generally want to leave it plugged in during installation and repair procedures. The only time you should unplug the cord is when you service the power distribution board.

2. Use an antistatic mat or similar surface.

   When performing any option installation or service procedure, place static-sensitive parts, such as boards, cards, and disk drives, on an antistatic surface. The following items can be used as an antistatic surface:

   • The bag used to wrap a Sun(TM) replacement part

   • The shipping container used to package a Sun replacement part

   • Sun electrostatic discharge (ESD) mat, PN 250-1088 (available through your Sun sales representatives)

   • Disposable ESD mat, shipped with replacement parts or options

3. Use an antistatic wrist strap.

   Attach the appropriate end to the system chassis sheet metal, and attach the other end of the strap to your wrist. Refer to the instructions that come with the strap.

   Figure 4-9  

   
   

4. Detach both ends of the strap after you have completed the installation or service procedure.