Practical -71 :- PC Repair Safety and Tool Identification

PC Repair Safety and Tool Identification

Before opening any desktop PC, follow these mandatory safety steps to protect yourself and the hardware:

Power Isolation: Shut down the PC and remove the power cable from the AC outlet.
Capacitor Discharge: Press the power button for 5 seconds after unplugging to drain stored energy.
ESD Protection: Use an anti-static wrist strap or touch the unpainted metal part of the chassis to discharge static electricity.
No Jewelry: Remove rings, watches, and loose clothing that could snag on components.
Physical Inspection: Check for any burnt smell, bulging capacitors on the motherboard, or loose cables before starting work.

The following table identifies the essential tools required for ICTSM trainees. Use generic, high-quality tools rather than specific brands.

Tool Name	Simple Figure / Representation	Primary Functional Use
Phillips Screwdriver		Used for most internal screws (Motherboard, HDD, Case).
Flat Head Screwdriver		Used for prying plastic clips or older specialized screws.
Torx Screwdriver		Used for specialized security screws or laptop components.
Anti-Static Wrist Strap		Protects sensitive ICs from Electrostatic Discharge (ESD).
Tweezers		Used for retrieving dropped screws in tight spaces.
Compressed Air Blower		Used to remove dust from Heat Sinks and Power Supplies.
IC Puller		Specifically used for removing Integrated Circuits safely.

Objective: To prepare a PC for repair while following all safety protocols.

Workspace Setup: Clean the workbench and ensure it is non-conductive.
Cable Management: Disconnect all external cables (VGA/HDMI, USB, Power).
Tool Selection: Select the correct size Phillips screwdriver to avoid stripping the screw heads.
Case Removal: Unscrew the side panel and slide it back. Place all screws in a magnetic tray or small container.
Dusting: Use the blower to clean the CPU fan. Warning: Hold the fan blade still so it does not spin and generate back-voltage.
Inspection: Identify the RAM slots, CMOS battery, and SATA connectors.

Task Step	Completed (Yes/No)	Remarks
Power cord removed & button pressed
Anti-static strap attached
Correct screwdriver used for case
Dust removed from CPU fan
Components identified correctly