Preventing ESD Damage

ESD damage occurs when electronic cards or components are improperly handled and can result in complete or intermittent failures. Follow the guidelines below to prevent ESD damage:

• Always use an ESD-preventive wrist or ankle strap and ensure that it makes good skin contact.

• When handling modules or coming into contact with any internal components, always use a wrist strap connected to one of the following:

  • Captive installation screws on an installed module or power supply

  • ESD wrist strap connector (see Figure C-1 through Figure C-3 for connector locations on the Catalyst 5000 series switches)

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Note Catalyst 5002--The AC-input chassis is shown in Figure C-3. On the Catalyst 5002 DC-input chassis, the ESD wrist strap connector is located on the left-hand side.

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• Any unpainted surface on the chassis

• Handle cards by the edges only.

• Avoid contact between the modules and clothing. The wrist strap protects only the card from ESD voltages on the body; ESD voltages on clothing can still cause damage.

• After removing a supervisor engine or switching module, place it on an antistatic surface or in a static shielding bag. If you plan to return the module to the factory, immediately place it in a static shielding bag.

 
Caution Periodically check the resistance value of the antistatic strap. The measurement should be between 1 and 10 megohms (Mohms).
Figure C-1: Catalyst 5500: ESD Wrist Strap Connector Location

Figure C-2: Catalyst 5505 and Catalyst 5000: ESD Wrist Strap Connector Location


Figure C-3: Catalyst 5002: ESD Wrist Strap Connector Location