Weekly Subject 02 - Safety and Computers

[greengoose1]

Safety and computers is the next logical choice for us to discuss. Why? For one reason if your on these VirDr forums you will one day want to do some "hardware stuff" to your computer. Now in case you haven't noticed you have a delicate body which can't stand pain. Voltage and amperage can cause both pain and death. Consider this, a very small voltage with some amperage can take you out of lifes picture.

This does not mean that that you cannot work around your computer. Quite the contrary, by following some simple rules an enjoyable experience will ensue in safety.

We will explore this subject in detail and remember any question you have in your mind, please please, ask. As has been said many times we do not consider any question as dumb or stupid. And this applies especially to our newer members just getting in contact with the world of computers. The whole reason for this thread and the rest of VirDr is for you who are inquisitve and wish to learn more than you know now.

We just finished surge protection which protects your computer. Now for Safety and Computers which will help protect you.

The first question is: How do I know if I'm being safe around my computer?

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[Train]

Computers are required to meet certain codes so that a person can use them with a certain level of safety. This is regard to electrical [paramount], and other requirements.
EDIT: This is in regards to their personnal safety and to the safety of the equipment.
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[This message has been edited by Train (edited 06-01-2001).]

[greengoose1]

Can you expand on that a little?

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[Train]

This by nature has to be a little technical.
The equipment is designed and tested to meet IEC 950, the standard for the Safety of Information Technology Equipment. This is the International Electrotechnical Commission's safty standard.

The standards provide general saftey design requirements that reduce the risk of personal injury to both the computer user and service provider. These standards protect against the following hazards:

• 1. Electrical shock
  Hazardous voltage levels contained in parts of the product.
  2.Fire
  Overloads, temperature, mateeerial flammability.
  3. Mechanical
  Sharp edges, moving parts, instability.
  4.Energy
  Circuits with high energy levels [240 volt amperes] or potential as burn hazards.
  5. Heat
  Accessible parts of the product at high temperatures.
  6. Chemical
  Chemical fumes and vapors.
  7Radiation
  Noise, ionizing, lazer,ultrasonic wav.

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[greengoose1]

So this is why I can buy and start using a computer without any concern except for what is mentioned the setup manuals that comes with the computer. A code governs the manufacturers.

Whenever accessories are plugged in or disconnected, should the computer be off and unplugged?

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[Train]

All but USB and Firewire must be done in the shutdown with the main power switch turned off or unplugged. The reason is most systems have a instant on type circuitry and there is power to the motherboard. Things could be damaged.

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[greengoose1]

Should I clean my monitor when it is on? I have read where it is dangerous to do this.

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[bistro]

In other woids, if you're going to work inside the case, just because it's "off" doesn't mean there's no power in there. UNPLUG. Use an anti-static wrist strap or touch the metal chassis first before poking your digits in there. Power supply or monitor: you have some cute little surprise packages in those called capacitors. Even if unplugged for quite a while, they can zap you real good; in the monitor, they can even kill if the conditions are right.

[greengoose1]

What happens when you get hit with a jolt from a capacitor? What could kill you?

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[Train]

Capacitors are somewhat like batteries in that they store electricity, but at much higher amperages. Amps are what kills.



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[bistro]

Extremely fast synapses occur from the point of contact to the brain, where your pain center passes on an urgent message to your logic centers: "What in THE H&^% were you thinking about?????". The message is then passed onto the heart: Palpatate! Palpatate! DIVE! DIVE! DIVE!". If the shock is just the right amperage, the message is: "Forget the palpatation! Just quit!".

[greengoose1]

Is there a difference between coming in contact with AC or DC. Is one more lethal than the other?

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[bistro]

I would guess AC is more lethal. AC current affects the heart, DC doesn't.

[Train]

Both are lethal at about the same extent. Hard to believe, but it is true. Remember static electricity and lightning are considered to be DC.

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[greengoose1]

Now we know that a computer under normal cicumstances will not hurt us from electrical shock.

But I want to upgrade, say, my ram from 64 to 128. What are the safety precautions to take in completing this procedure from start to finish?

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