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• Preventing Electrostatic Discharge Damage  

Preventing Electrostatic Discharge Damage

Caution: Static electricity can damage the JCS 1200 platform and other electronic components. To avoid damage, keep static-sensitive components in their electrostatic bags until you are ready to install them.

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the release of stored static electricity that can damage electric circuits. Static electricity is often stored in your body and discharged when you come in contact with an object with a different potential. Use an ESD wrist strap whenever you are working on the JCS 1200 platform and JCS 1200 components. See the JCS 1200 Platform Hardware Guide for the locations of the ESD connectors on your JCS 1200 platform. To work properly, the wrist strap must have a good contact at both ends (touching your skin at one end and connected to the ESD connector on the front or back of the JCS 1200 platform).

To reduce the possibility of electrostatic discharge, observe the following precautions:

• Use an ESD wrist strap whenever you are working on the JCS 1200 platform and JCS 1200 components.
• Limit your movement. Movement can cause static electricity to build up around you.
• Handle any component carefully, holding it by its edges or its frame.
• Do not touch solder joints, pins, or exposed printed circuitry.
• Do not leave the component where others can handle and damage it.
• While the component is still in its electrostatic bag, touch it to an unpainted metal part of the JCS 1200 platform or rack for at least 2 seconds. This drains static electricity from the package and from your body.
• Remove the component from its package and install it immediately without setting it down. If it is necessary to set down the component, put it back into its electrostatic bag.
• Take additional care when you handle components during cold weather. Heating reduces indoor humidity and increases static electricity.