Thread: Vacuum Cleaners and Keyboard

There is an ongoing debate as to the safety of vacuum cleaners with computer equipment. The problem is static discharge. Many vacuum cleaners, especially . small, inexpensive models, use cheap plastic and synthetic fabrics in manufacturing them. When a fast airflow passes over those materials, a static charge is developed (just like in combing hair with a plastic comb). If the charged vacuum cleaner touches the keyboard, it may discharge this induced potential over the keyboard, and may have enough potential to damage the keyboard controller (KBC) chip or even travel back into the motherboard for more serious damage.



If you use a vacuum cleaner for keyboard cleaning, take these three steps to prevent damage. First, make sure that the computer is powered down and disconnect the keyboard' from the computer before starting its service. If a static discharge does occur, the most that would be damaged is the keyboard itself. Second, u~,: a vacuum cleaner that is made for electronics work and certified as "static¬safe." Third, try working on an antistatic mat that is properly grounded. This will tend to "bleed off static charges hefore they can enter the keyboard or Pc.