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March 20, 2010 Show Notes (PodcastIT008):

"Can dust inside my computer cause damage?"

Believe it or not, there is a situation where dust inside your computer can cause damage. This situation is where a static charge can build up in the dust and then discharge into your computer system.

You can see static discharge when you rub your feet with socks on a rug and touch your friend with your finger. The actual discharge can be seen at 20,000 volts. You can feel a static discharge at 3000 volts. Damage to your computer can happen at only 30 volts. This is why a person should ground themselves before reaching inside a computer with the cover off. You can do this by having one hand on the computer case at all times, or by using a grounding cable, also called an ESD cable, to yourself and a grounding point.

The loose dust that is inside your computer would act like a small capacitor that is capable of storing an electrical charge. The amount of charge would depend on certain conditions such as temperature and humidity. A cool place with low humidity has a better chance of causing a static discharge from dust than would a hot and humid place. The charge builds up in the dust to a point that is above it's ability to hold it and then discharges, or the charge builds up and the dust is dislodged by movement and touches a contact point causing the electrical discharge. Depending on the amount of discharge and the location of the discharge, damage to your computer components may occur.

Better Systems Tech Tip:

At minimum, clean out your computer once a year. I would suggest that you do it outside. Take your time with a can of compressed gas to do a through job. Since you have the case open, look around for signs of electrical damage or of bug infestation (yes, I've seen bugs making a nice home for themselves inside a computer, and then one day cease to exist, unfortunately taking out the computer motherboard in the process). If you do this, you can prevent any damage that may occur from a static discharge.

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