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CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide

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prevalent in dry, cool environments.

Antistatic wrist straps are standard equipment for anyone working on a

computing device, but other tools might also come in handy. One of the big

issues when working with a computer occurs if you find yourself pulling out

parts from the computer and setting them aside. The moment you take a piece

out of the computer, it no longer has contact with the systems and may pick

up static from other sources. Techs use antistatic mats to eliminate this risk.

An antistatic mat—or ESD mat—acts as a point of common potential; it’s

typical to purchase a combination antistatic wrist strap and mat that all

connect to keep you, the computer, and any loose components at the same

electrical potential (see Figure 1-7).

Figure 1-7 Antistatic wrist strap and mat combination

NOTE Make sure the metal plate on the antistatic wrist strap touches the

skin of your wrist. Don’t put it on over the sleeve of a long-sleeved shirt.

Antistatic wrist straps and mats use tiny resistors—devices that stop or

resist the flow of electricity—to prevent a static charge from racing through

the device. These resistors can fail over time, so it’s always a good idea to

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