[OT] Computers and cold temperatures & lm-sensors

[Doug]

On 11/13/2011 05:44 PM, Ernest Doub wrote:
>
>
> On Sun, Nov 13, 2011 at 9:08 AM, compdoc <compdoc at hotrodpc.com
> <mailto:compdoc at hotrodpc.com>> wrote:
>
>      >Humidity and static electricity are things I hadn't considered.
>      >Maybe I should run a small humidifier nearby?
>
>     I have to run a room humidifier in the house in winter, or I zap
>     everything
>     I touch. I've killed a couple of motherboards that way.
>
> If you follow proper static procedures this wouldn't be a problem.
> 1.  Make sure that all equipment is ~properly~ grounded.  Just because
> an outlet has a grounding plug doesn't mean that the circuit has been
> wired correctly.  Check it or have it checked by a certified
> electrician.  If it isn't grounded to earth it isn't grounded properly.
> PERIOD

You can get an outlet tester for a few dollars at any hardware store. 
It will tell you if your outlets are wired correctly, including whether 
there is a proper ground.

>
> 2.  Always discharge yourself to a known grounded point before
> attempting any work requiring you to open the case on any electronic
> equipment.
>
> 3.  If you are going to be working on electronic equipment make sure
> that your clothing is not a static generation source.  Many synthetic
> fabrics will generate a static charge just by normal movement.  The same
> goes for your shoes.  Many synthetic rubber and composition materials
> generate static.  If you have a tendency to scuff your feet when walking
> this only makes the problem worse.
>
/snip/
If you're going to work inside a computer, you should get yourself a 
ground strap.  Snap the ground clip onto the computer case, and connect
the strap to your wrist.  (This is not a human safety issue: there is a 
large value resistor in series with the grounding wire, so there would
never be more than a few microamps flowing even if you touch a live
connection.)  You can buy a wrist ground strap from CyberGuys! for $5.
(I don't have any connection to that company.)  There is a type which
you wrap around your whole wrist like a bracelet (p/n 0160120) or one
wthat clamps around your wrist without fastening (p/n 1160123).

--doug