What are some important safety tips when working inside of a computer?

| Jun 15, 2009 | Comments 4



DThe inside of a computer can be a dangerous place. Which one of these safety tips do NOT apply when working inside of a computer?

A) Keep the power cord plugged into the wall to ground against static discharges

B) Be gentle with the internal components to avoid knocking any cables loose

C) Don’t directly touch any of the sensitive components

D) Avoid contact with moving parts


The answer: A) Keep the power cord plugged into the wall to ground against static discharges

At first glance, this answer sounds perfectly reasonable. After all, static electricity is a bad, evil thing for computers. Of course, electrical discharge is an evil thing to YOU. A common misconception is that you need to be connected to an electrical ground to prevent static discharge. Also, today’s motherboards constantly provide for instant-on; there’s always a potential for electrical discharge if you come in contact with the right components inside of the system. ALWAYS UNPLUG THE COMPUTER.


The incorrect answers:

B) Be gentle with the internal components to avoid knocking any cables loose
Cables inside of a computer weren’t designed for a lot of jostling. Before putting the cover back on, it’s a good idea to check all of your connectors and make sure you didn’t inadvertently disconnect any components.

C) Don’t directly touch any of the sensitive components
Silicon-based components are allergic to you. You not only subject the components to static electric discharges, you also leave oil and dust in your wake. Only touch what you need to touch, and then try not to directly contact the components on the circuit boards.

D) Avoid contact with moving parts
The fans inside of a computer spin very quickly. There’s a reason that computer technicians don’t wear ties. XD

Want to know more? Watch “Keeping Things Clean.”


Preventive maintenance of your computers is an essential component of the CompTIA A+ certification. In this module, we’ll show you how to clean both the outside and the inside of your computer, including the monitor, fan intakes, motherboard components, and connector contacts.


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  • Charles wieand

    Okay so I agree but I’m studying an Exam CRAM book and it is telling me that the ground plug is the best tool for overcoming ESD.

    This can be done by just touching the outside of the case. This does not seem safe to me. Thoughts?

    • http://www.ProfessorMesser.com Professor Messer

      You don’t necessarily need an electrical ground to be protected against electrostatic discharge. In most cases, the easiest way to protect yourself is by bonding with a metal part of the computer.

      Although some environments need constant ground protection against static electricity (chemical storage facilities, fuel storage facilities, etc.), working on a personal computer isn’t one of those highly volatile situations. As long as you have a wrist strap or bond with the metal, you’ll be protected.

  • http://mxproject.com John

    Would turning off the power bar or power button at the back of the power supply be just as good as unplugging the PC from the wall?

    • http://www.ProfessorMesser.com Professor Messer

      The latest motherboards are always getting power from the power supply for instant-on and standby functionality. If you want to work in an electrically safe environment, you must physically disconnect the power from the back of the computer.