Controlling Static
by Ed Sawicki
Accelerated Learning Center
Tailored Computers
December 5, 2003
Seasoned IT professionals have had to deal with computer-related problems caused by static electricity in the workplace. The problems are at their worst in the Winter when humidity is low. If you're new to the field or have not worked in static-prone environments, you may be unaware of the issues. Typical symptoms are computers that lock-up or function erratically. The solutions are simple enough:
- Computers, such as servers, that are not on user desktops should be kept in a room that has no carpeting, carpeting that's treated with an anti-static spray, or special anti-static carpeting that has strands of electrical conductors woven into it. The room should also have a minimum of non-conductors (draperies, curtains, glass, fur, pets, etc.)
- Computers on user desktops are more difficult to protect since most offices have carpeting installed and lots of non-conductors. If anti-static carpeting is not installed, you'll have to spray the carpet regularly. Follow the manufacturers instructions on the bottle. If the carpets are cleaned, you must reapply the anti-static spray.
- In offices where wheeled chairs are sitting on top of a plastic mat, it's best to use anti-static mats. They cost more but they're worth it. When you apply the anti-static spray to carpets, raise the mat so you can spray beneath it.
IMPORTANT - Unless you're using fiber optic LAN cabling, copper cables are conductors for static discharges. This means that you can have a static problem at a desktop computer that is also felt at the server - even if you've taken precautions to protect the server from static. You must protect the entire environment from static.
Long Term Effects
An issue that's difficult for many people to understand is best illustrated by one of my consulting customers who says "We've never had static problems before. It can't be the reason why the server is locking up now." Computers can be subjected to static discharges without suffering an apparent problem. However, each static discharge is taking its toll. Eventually, the computer will start showing symptoms (such as locking up) and ultimately fail.
Handling Components
If you handle computer components, such as installing or upgrading memory, you should use an anti-static wrist strap, such as the one shown below. One end of the strap goes around your wrist (like a bracelet) and the other end clips on to the chassis of the computer you're working on.
While you're working on computer equipment, avoid generating static by walking across carpets or sliding your butt across a chair made of non-conductors like plastic or fabric.
Lightning
During discussions about static, people sometimes ask about lightning. Static and lightning are quite different from one another. Steps you take to protect your computers from static are not effective for lightning. If you're in the Pacific Northwest, the risk of damage to computer equipment from lightning is small. Here's a map of the world created by NASA that shows regions of the world where lightning is a much greater risk.
Summary
If you're unwilling to bear the expense of protecting your computers from static, plan on replacing them every few years. Worse, plan on down time that results from computer lock-ups and weird problems.
I've covered the basics here. There are more details and solutions. Contact me if you need to know more or need help.