Before you begin working on your computer, ensure you are safe by following some safety precautions. Never touch components that are not serviceable. Don’t plug power sources in backward. Also, always unplug your computer’s power source. Electrical shock is a serious threat and can be fatal. These safety precautions can prevent you from getting electrocuted while performing computer repairs. Read on to learn some more computer repair safety tips:
Avoid touching non-serviceable components
Before performing any computer repair, it is crucial to remember that some components are not meant to be touched. Capacitors, for example, are miniature electronic components found inside the computer, and these electrically charged components retain this charge after the power is disconnected. Therefore, before working on these components, ensure you unplug the computer from the power source and wait a few minutes before touching it.
Electrical shock
The electrical components in a computer are highly conductive and can be the cause of an electrical shock. To avoid this, take extra precautions while working on computer parts. To prevent the possibility of electric shock, make sure to turn off the power before handling any computer component.
Connecting ribbon cables backwards
While certain instances where backward connecting ribbon cables can result in system damage, the chances are minimal. Ribbon cables are symmetrical and have a red stripe to indicate pin 1 of the connector.
If you connect the cable backward, the device will not communicate with the motherboard. Follow the correct guidelines to ensure the proper functionality of your device. If the connector is hard to find, try using a ruler to locate it on the motherboard.
Some cables have two pins that make them compatible with each other. To connect the cables backwards, you can use channel locks or pliers to squeeze the connectors firmly. Then, line up the ribbon cable with the bottom of the connector and slide it in. The connector should click into place. You should also ensure that the connector’s pins are pointed away from the main body of the cable.
Unplugging power sources
You should always unplug power sources when doing computer repair. Doing so will protect your PC from a shock or a hazard caused by built-up electricity. Most power cables are kettle leads, but there are cases where a proprietary socket is used. Unplugging the power supply will also ensure no damage to the system. The last thing you want is a malfunctioning computer. Click here to know more about Computer Repair Steyning.
The main reason to unplug power sources is to avoid causing damage to your hardware. When the hardware or software in your computer becomes unresponsive, it will be harder to fix it within the software.
CRT monitors
Before attempting to repair your CRT monitor, read the safety guidelines and use proper precautions. CRT monitors contain high-voltage components, and the power supply is hazardous. Carelessly dropping tools may cause a CRT implosion. Sharp sheet metal shields can injure you as well. Unless you’re a certified technician, do not attempt to repair power supplies.
To troubleshoot the monitor, first, check for intermittent changes in color. Sometimes, these changes occur due to bad connections inside the monitor or the cable connection. Some possible causes include using long or cheap video cables and daisy-chaining monitors. Also, if you see blotches in the color of individual pixels, you may have a phosphor issue.
Power supplies
One of the essential parts of a computer is the power supply, which provides the power your computer needs to run correctly. These units have safeguards that prevent them from overpowering your computer. Although they are effective when they’re working properly, they can malfunction.
Check the power supply for any affected components. If you notice any, then replace the affected components. Otherwise, you may have problems with the motherboard. To test a power supply, you can turn it on by pressing a small switch. You can also check if you hear any humming sounds.
