Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Excessive heat shortens the life of system components and adds to the thermal stress problem caused
by greater temperature changes between the system's power-on and power-off states. Additionally,
the dust can contain conductive elements that can cause partial short circuits in a system. Other
elements in dust and dirt can accelerate corrosion of electrical contacts, resulting in improper
connections. In all, the regular removal of any layer of dust and debris from within a computer system
benefits that system in the long run.
Tip
Cigarette smoke contains chemicals that can conduct electricity and cause corrosion of
computer parts. The smoke residue can infiltrate the entire system, causing corrosion and
contamination of electrical contacts and sensitive components, such as optical drive lens
assemblies. You should avoid smoking near computer equipment and encourage your company
to develop and enforce a similar policy.
Properly cleaning the system and all the boards inside requires certain supplies and tools. In addition
to the tools required to disassemble the unit, you should have these items:
• Contact cleaning solution
• Canned air
• A small brush
• Lint-free foam cleaning swabs
• Antistatic wrist-grounding strap
You also might want to acquire these optional items:
• Air compressor
• Vacuum cleaner
These simple cleaning tools and chemical solutions enable you to perform most common preventive
maintenance tasks.
Chemicals
Chemicals can be used to help clean, troubleshoot, and even repair a system. You can use several
types of cleaning solutions with computers and electronic assemblies. Most fall into the following
categories:
•
Standard cleaners
—You can use pure isopropyl alcohol, acetone, trichloroethane, or a variety
of other chemicals. Most board manufacturers and service shops are now leaning toward
alcohol, acetone, or other chemicals that do not cause ozone depletion and comply with
government regulations and environmental safety.
Recently, new biodegradable cleaners described as “citrus-based cleaners” have become
popular in the industry, and in many cases are more effective and more economical for circuit
board and contact cleaning. These cleaners are commonly known as d-limonene or citrus
terpenes and are derived from orange peels, which gives them a strong (but pleasant) citric
odor. Another type of terpene is called a-pinene and is derived from pine trees. You must
exercise care when using these cleaners, however, because they can cause swelling of some
plastics, especially silicone rubber and PVC.
