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Q.  What is static electricity, what can it do to my computer and how do I avoid it?

Static electricity is caused when two different materials rub together creating a positive charge on one material and a negative charge on the other. Since opposite charges attract each other, the negative charge will be attracted to the positive charge and either "spark" across or flow through a conductor (such as yourself) until the charges are neutralised. Static electric charges are often in the thousands of volts and can damage sensitive electronic components (such as computer chips) as they flow through them. When static electricity flows through computer components you may be lucky and nothing happens, the charge may weaken the components and shorten their life or the charge may destroy the component causing it to either malfunction or fail outright.

Static electric charges can build up when a person wearing synthetic soled shoes walks across nylon carpets or when a person wears nylon or polyester clothing. (Ladies be especially careful!) If you wear this type of clothing or feel a spark when you touch metal objects, you must take extra care when touching computer components.

Ideally you should purchase a static strap from an electronics shop and wear it whilst handling computer components. The static strap connects to the computer case and allows any static charge to discharge through the strap rather than the electronic components. If you do not have a static strap you must discharge yourself by touching the metal outside of the computer case before handling components. Of course make sure the computer is turned off before touching the case to ensure that you do not get an electric shock from the computer power supply.

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