Preventing static electricity discharge

Reminder: this page is a part of the "Remove and reinstall a PCI expansion card.

The components inside your server are extremely sensitive to static electricity, Warning also known as electrostatic discharge (ESD).

Before working with server components, follow these guidelines:

1. Turn off the server, then unplug the power cords and all other cables. 
2. Press the power button to drain any residual power from the server. 
3. Wear a grounding wrist strap (available at most electronics stores) and attach it to a bare metal part of the server. You can also touch a bare metal surface on the back of the server with your finger. 
4. Avoid static-causing surfaces such as carpeted floors, plastic, and packing foam.
5. Avoid working on the server when your work area is extremely humid.
6. Remove components from their antistatic bags only when you are ready to use them. Do not lay components on the outside of antistatic bags because only the inside of the bags provide electrostatic protection.
7. Always hold expansion cards by their edges or their metal mounting brackets. Avoid touching the edge connectors and components on the cards. Never slide expansion cards or components over any surface.

Warning:

1. To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts, turn off your server and unplug the power cords and modem cable before opening the server case.
2. To prevent risk of electric shock, do not insert any object into the vent holes of the power supply.

Caution:

ESD can permanently damage electrostatic discharge-sensitive components in the server. Prevent ESD damage by following ESD guidelines every time you open the server case.

You May Want to Know:

PCI Standards and PCI Express

Structure of PCI Express Bus

How PCIe 4.0 Stacks Up

Gigabit Host Bus Adapter Card

Remove and reinstall a PCI expansion card