STATIC ELECTRICITY - FACT OR FICTION

All of us are familiar with walking across a rug, reaching out to touch a doorknob, and getting zapped by a charge of static electricity, what's technically known as electrostatic discharge, or ESD. For most of us, it's annoying; for some, dangerous (fireworks and explosive makers have to take special precautions to avoid static sparks); and for the sensitive electronics inside a PC or Game Console, static can be a killer.For most day-to-day Game Console use, static isn't much of a problem, but the chances of problems go way up if you open your case, of the old retro systems SNES systems are very prone to ESD, and all care should be take when opening the case, always make sure you turn the console on after the power adaptor has been removed, before taking the top off, the power light will flick on then off this discharges the cap inside and reduces the risk of a ZAP

Static electricity is much more common than you might think, and most of it is created by a process called triboelectrification, when two materials touch (your fingers and your PC keyboard, for example) and then move apart or rub. Electrons are exchanged, and one object becomes electrically positive; the other electrically negative. When you touch another object with an opposite charge, or a ground (neutral charge), electrons flow.

The amount of voltage involved in static electricity sounds impressive. Walk across that rug and touch a grounded metal object, and the voltage can be in the 10,000-to-12,000-volt range. (If you think back to your high school physics class, you'll remember why static voltage isn't life threatening. Its amperage is miniscule. And it's amps, not volts, which are dangerous.)

If you're daring and careful, you can still keep yourself and the console at the same electrical potential by constantly touching the chassis whilst working on it, but it's a juggling act. And if you accidentally touch something with a different electrical potential--such as the tabletop the console is sitting on - then a ZAP!.

Using a ground is still the most effective way to minimize the potential damaging effects of static electricity, although you'll need to invest in some additional components

HOW NOT TO GET CAUGHT BY ESD

Use a wrist strap: The cheapest and easiest way to dissipate static electricity is to use an antistatic wrist strap, which connects to your AC ground. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to connect it. Dick Smith Stock them.

Use additional antistatic components:
If you work with computer or Game Console upgrades regularly, consider investing in additional antistatic measures, such as grounded pads that you can lay your system on when you work with it. (You should still use a wrist strap.)

Prepare your work area:
Make sure the area where you're working on your upgrades isn't full of other static-inducing components. A bare table is best. Keep plastic desk accessories, wastebaskets, and telephones away from your work area. And one of the worst creators of static charge is a rolling desk chair. Push it away, and stand up when you're working.The above principle should be applied when working on any electronic appliance, from your old NES system to the latest PS-3
(However really you shouldnt have your PS-3 open anyway ;-)

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