On Dec 17, 10:41, Matthew Sell wrote:
> Vacuum cleaning is much more "dangerous" for a PCB than washing it.
>
> Pete made a very good point, one I had forgotten, the static charge
created
> by dust moving through an insulated (plastic) pipe can generate some
> obscene voltages.
>
> Remember the old science experiment involving the comb generating static
> electricity? That voltage is enough to wipe nearly the entire board.
Of course, one has to be realistic about all this. Vacuuming a PCB with
the aid of a soft paintbrush isn't likly to do much harm if the vacuum
nozzle is metal and you're holding it and you're grounded, because the
static on the nozzle is unlikely to build up to excessive levels.
> Remember the old science experiment involving the comb generating static
> electricity? That voltage is enough to wipe nearly the entire board.
>
> Like I said before, don't take my word for it. Take an old, dirty board
> that you know works, and run it through the dishwasher. Dot use the plate
> warmer or drying functions. At the end of the cycle, remove it, shake it
> off, and allow it to dry for several days (hang it up). Plug it back in -
> it'll work.
>
> And it'll look nearly new.....
>
>
> - Matt
--
Pete Peter Turnbull
Network Manager
University of York
Received on Mon Dec 17 2001 - 16:06:13 GMT