Home

Repair Safety

Fri, 07/03/2009 - 00:01 — computerman

Computer and Laptop Repair Safety Precautions and Tips

When you are working with computers follow precautions (not exhaustive) to minimise harm to yourself or your desktop/laptop.

If in any doubt about performing a repair, get a qualified engineer to do it. It is not hard to fry a component, and that component could be your £100 processor. These guides are not meant to be an exclusive how-to for any repair.
 
They are meant to assist those who have some previous experience in building computers or repairing themselves.
 
If you decide to repair yourself, follow these safety instructions and DO FOLLOW them EVERYTIME you work with ANY computer or Laptop.
 
Electrical Safety
 
  • Always disconnect the power cable from a desktop computer before opening the case, or handling ANY components inside your PC.
  • To prevent electric shock, disconnect the power cable before moving or relocating the system.
  • When you add or remove any component to or from the system, ensure that the power cables are unplugged, before the signal cables are connected. E.g - a graphics card power should be unplugged, before you slot into the motherboard.
  • If you are working with a laptop, disconnect the power cable AND the battery from beneath/side of/front of your laptop.
  • When touching hardware components, always follow anti-static precautions by wearing an anti-static wrist band, or touching a metal object inside your PC. This will ground any static YOU produce avoiding any electrical transfer or short circuit to a component.
  • If the power supply is broken, do not try and fix it yourself, seek a qualified service technician or the retailer you purchased it from.
  • Ensure the mains is switched off when reconnecting the power cable. Reconnect in this order
     
  1. Mains cable /laptop power adapter
  2. Mains switch on wall
  3. Computer/Laptop On Switch
 Operational Safety

 

  • Before installing a motherboard, read all the relevant instructions and manuals first. If you dont have them, search the manufacturers website for a pdf download.
  • To avoid short circuit make sure no paper clips, screws, staples are well away from connectors, slots and circuitry.
  • Keep your equipment in a dust free environment. Also avoid extremes of temperatures and excess humidity. A base unit should be placed off the ground if there is a risk of water or flooding damage.
  • Place items on flat stable surfaces, study tables and workbenches, rather than a sofa or a carpeted floor.