BASIC HARDWARE MAINTENANCE

COM 223

General Objectives
1. Understand basic laboratory practice and safety.
2. Understand the basic electric theory.
3. Understand the function of circuit components.
4. Understand basic general measuring equipment.
5. Understand integrated circuit and terminologies.
6. Understand preventative maintenance of hardware components.
7. Understand diagnostic techniques involved in corrective maintenance.
8. Understand computer installation procedure.

BALOGUN, O.T.
 General Computer Laboratory Safety
Do’s
1. Know the location of the fire extinguisher and the first aid box and how to use them in case of
an emergency.
2. Read and understand how to carry out an activity thoroughly before coming to the laboratory.
3. Report fires or accidents to your lecturer/laboratory technician immediately.
4. Report any broken plugs or exposed electrical wires to your lecturer/laboratory technician
immediately.
5. Know emergency exit routes.

Don’ts
1. Do not eat or drink in the laboratory.
2. Avoid stepping on electrical wires or any other computer cables.
3. Do not open the system unit casing or monitor casing particularly when the power is turned on.
Some internal components hold electric voltages of up to 30000 volts, which can be fatal.
4. Do not insert metal objects such as clips, pins and needles into the computer casings. They may
cause fire.
5. Do not remove anything from the computer laboratory without permission.
6. Do not touch, connect or disconnect any plug or cable without your lecturer/laboratory
technician’s permission.
7. Do not misbehave or distract other users in the computer laboratory.

Computer Lab Safety Rules for Protecting Equipment

1. Do not bring any food or drinks near the machine.
2. Turn off the machine once you are done using it.
3. Do not plug in external devices without scanning them for computer viruses.
4. Ensure that the room temperature stays cool, since there are a lot of machines inside a lab to
avoid overheating these machines. This is one of the many ways of ensuring computer safety.
5. Try not to touch any of the circuit boards and power sockets when a device is connected to
them and switched on.
6. Always maintain a backup of all your important data files and the extra copy is not in the same
location as the primary copy.
7. Computers and instrumentation should be labelled to indicate whether gloves should be worn
or not. Inconsistent glove use around keyboards/keypads is a source of potential
contamination.
8. Designated and well-marked waste storage locations are necessary.
9. Use equipment only for its designated purpose.
10. Determine the potential hazards and appropriate safety precautions before beginning any
work.
11. All equipment should be regularly inspected for wear or deterioration.
12. Equipment should be maintained according to the manufacturer’s requirements and records of
certification, maintenance, or repairs should be maintained for the life of the equipment.

General safety guidelines to be followed at all times

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 1. All users of the laboratory are to follow the directions of academic/laboratory technical staff
member.
2. Food or drink is not permitted at any time in the laboratory.
3. Students should not attempt to repair, open, tamper or interfere with any of the computer,
printing, cabling, air conditioning or other equipment in the laboratory.
4. Students should be aware of office ergonomic guidelines for correct posture when using
computer equipment.
5. Please treat fellow users of the laboratory, and all equipment within the laboratory, with the
appropriate level of care and respect.

In case of an emergency or incident in the laboratory:

 Keep calm.
 Tell someone about it: the nearest staff member, a fellow student, and fellow workers, others
in the area.
 Leave the building if the type of emergency warrants it, or if directed by the staff. Do so by the
nearest safe exit. Do not use lifts in case of fire. Follow the directions.

Some emergency situations such as criminal activity may not require you to leave the building. In all
emergency situations keep calm and think about the appropriate response.

Electrical Safety in the Laboratory

There is always a potential danger of electric shock or fire wherever there are outlets, plugs, wiring or
connections, as there are in all labs. In addition to the usual electrical hazards, some labs have high
voltage electrical equipment which poses an even greater potential problem. Students should be extra
careful with this equipment, and should learn how to disable the power source in an emergency.
 Turn off the power to any equipment before you inspect it. When turning off safety switches
wear insulating gloves and turn your face away from the box before pulling the handle down.
 Use only tools and equipment with non-conducting handles when working with electrical
devices.
 All current-transmitting parts of electrical devices must be enclosed.
 When checking an operating circuit, keep one hand either in a pocket or behind your back to
avoid making a closed circuit through the body.
 Never change any wiring when a circuit is plugged into a power source.
 Never plug leads into a power source unless they’re connected to an established circuit.
 Avoid contacting circuits with wet hands or materials.
 Check circuits for grounding.
 Do not insert another fuse of larger capacity if an instrument keeps blowing fuses. When a fuse
blows, find the cause of the problem before fitting another one.
 Do not use or store highly flammable solvents near electrical equipment.
 Multi-strip outlets should not be used in place of permanently installed sockets. If additional
outlets are required, have them installed by an electrician.
 Ensure access to electrical panels and disconnect switches are clear and unobstructed.

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 Hardware Components Unsafe Conditions
Hardware components can encounter unsafe conditions that may lead to malfunctions, damage, or
safety hazards. Here are some common examples of unsafe conditions for hardware components:
1. Overheating: When a hardware component, such as the CPU or GPU, becomes excessively hot
due to inadequate cooling or prolonged heavy usage, it can lead to thermal throttling, reduced
performance, or even permanent damage. Overheating can be caused by dust buildup,
insufficient airflow, or improper application of thermal paste.
2. Power Surges and Electrical Issues: Power surges, voltage spikes, or electrical fluctuations can
damage sensitive components like motherboards, RAM, and storage devices. These issues can
be caused by lightning strikes, faulty power supplies, or unstable electrical grids.
3. Physical Damage: Accidental impacts, drops, or mishandling of hardware components can
result in physical damage, such as cracked screens, bent connectors, or broken circuit boards.
Physical damage can lead to non-functionality or reduced performance.
4. ESD (Electrostatic Discharge): Static electricity can discharge when handling sensitive
components, causing damage to delicate microelectronics. ESD can occur when components
are not handled properly or when working in environments with low humidity.
5. Inadequate Power Supply: Using an underpowered or unstable power supply for a computer
system can lead to system instability, crashes, and potential damage to the power supply unit
(PSU) or other components.
6. Water or Liquid Exposure: Spilling water or any liquid on hardware components can cause
immediate damage or create long-term issues like corrosion and short circuits.
7. Incompatible Components: Using incompatible hardware components, such as mismatched
RAM or incompatible processors, can lead to system instability or prevent the computer from
booting properly.
8. Overclocking: Overclocking involves running hardware components at higher frequencies than
their stock settings. While it can increase performance, it can also lead to overheating, reduced
component lifespan and potential instability if not done correctly.
9. Dust and Debris Accumulation: Dust and debris accumulation inside a computer case can
impede airflow and lead to increased temperatures, reducing the overall lifespan of
components.
10. Firmware and Software Issues: Outdated or faulty firmware (BIOS/UEFI) and device drivers can
cause hardware components to malfunction or not work optimally.

To prevent unsafe conditions for hardware components, it is essential to follow proper maintenance
practices, use quality components, ensure proper cooling, handle components carefully, and avoid
overclocking without adequate cooling solutions. Regularly updating firmware and drivers can also
help maintain the stability and safety of the hardware.

Precautions to be taken when working and maintaining the computer system:

When installing/removing computer hardware and other peripherals:
 Power off the computer and unplug all peripherals before opening any covering cases.
 Refer to the manufacturer's guidelines in your user manual for cleaning specific components.
Some hardware may have particular cleaning instructions or warnings.

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 Wear proper apparel. Avoid acrylic or wool sweaters when working with electronic parts. Do
not wear loose fitting clothing, rings, bracelets etc.
 Keep your work area clean and well lit.
 Do not force components into computer ports.
 Use an anti-static wrist strap or discharge yourself by touching a grounded metal object such as
a computer casing.
 Power supplies produce several levels of voltage. Read the information on the power supply
carefully and make sure that the power supply you are using is appropriate for the application.
 If disassembling parts, label cables and screws to ensure easy reassembly. Keep a record of the
disassembly process to avoid confusion during reassembly.
 Ensure that wires and cables are secured and not obstructing any moving parts, such as fans,
after cleaning.
 Inspect components for any signs of damage or wear while cleaning. Address any issues
immediately to prevent further problems.
 Ensure all components are securely reattached and that no cables are pinched or improperly
connected when reassembling the computer.
 Check all circuits and installations with the instructor before power is applied.
 Never work on carpeted surfaces.
 Never spray cleaning fluid directly onto computer components. Always spray onto a cloth, then
wipe.
 Do not allow any cleaner to run or drip near circuit boards. Never allow circuits or electronics to
become damp or wet.
 Use Appropriate Cleaning Materials: Employ soft, lint-free cloths, compressed air, and isopropyl
alcohol (preferably 90% or higher). Avoid using water, household cleaners, or abrasive materials.
 Handle all components with care. Apply light pressure when wiping surfaces, and avoid bending
or stressing the hardware.
 When using compressed air, hold the can upright to avoid expelling liquid propellant. Use short
bursts to blow dust out of crevices and fans.
 If possible, remove components such as RAM, hard drives, and expansion cards before cleaning.
This allows for thorough cleaning and reduces the risk of damage.
 Refrain from touching the gold contact points on components like RAM or expansion cards, as
oils from your skin can impede connectivity and cause corrosion.

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 Basic Electrical Theory
No single discovery has affected our lives more than electricity. Electricity is everywhere; it lights our
way, cooks our food and can even brush your teeth. For example, imagine where the medical field
would be without electricity and in that sense how many lives have been saved due to electrical
devices like defibrillators, pacemakers, etc.

What is Electricity?
In its simplest term, electricity is the movement of charge, which is considered by convention to be,
from positive to negative. No matter how the charge is created, chemically (like in batteries) or
physically (friction from socks and carpet), the movement of the discharge is electricity.

Key Concepts in Electrical Theory

 Electrons are subatomic particles that have a negative charge. Electricity is produced when
electrons pass through a conductor.
 Charge: An atom can carry either a positive or negative charge. In this condition, it is referred to
as either a charged particle or ion. The atom’s charge is what determines its interaction with
other atoms; like charge repel, unlike charges attract. Positive charges occur when an atom has
more protons than electrons, whereas a negative charge is the result of more electrons than
protons.
 Voltage is an electromotive force or the potential difference between two charges, expressed
in volts (V). In other words, it is a measurement of the work required to move a unit charge
between two points. When we see a value such as 10 Volts, it is a measurement of the
potential difference between two reference points. Normally the two points will be +10V and
0V (also known as ground), but it can also be the difference between +5V and -5V, +20V and
+10V, etc. In the field, you might hear the term “common grounds” which refers to each device
in a system using the same zero-point reference (or ground) to ensure the same potential
difference (or voltage) is applied throughout the system.
 Current is the flow of electrical charge in a circuit and measured in Amperes (A). There are two
types of current, direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC). DC is current that flows in one
direction with a constant voltage polarity while AC is current that changes direction periodically
along with its voltage polarity. Thomas Edison and Alessandro Volta were pioneers in DC
current and wrote much of electricity’s history. But as societies grew the use of DC over long
transmission distances became too inefficient. Nikola Tesla changed all that with the invention
of alternating current electrical systems. With AC it is possible to produce the high voltages
needed for long transmissions. Therefore today, most portable devices use DC power while
power plants produce AC.
 Resistance is the measure of the amount of current repulsion in a circuit, expressed in Ohms
(Ω). Simply, resistance resists current flow. When electrons flow against the opposition offered
by resistance in the circuit, friction occurs and heat is produced. The most common application
for resistance in a circuit is the light bulb. The light bulb introduces enough resistance in a
circuit to heat up the filament inside, causing light to be emitted. Resistance in a circuit can also
be helpful when needing to alter voltage levels, current paths, etc. Resistors are self-contained
packages of resistance that can be added to a circuit and are commonly used to divide voltage
levels.
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 The Fundamental Laws in Electricity
Ohm’s law, Kirchhoff current law, Kirchhoff voltage law and Thevenin theorem are some fundamental
laws in electricity. Focus here is on Ohm’s law which is the most fundamental law in electricity.

Ohm’s Law
Ohm’s law states that the current flowing through a conductor between two points is directly
proportional to the voltage across the two points. I = V/R or V=IR or R=V/I

Where I is the current through the conductor in units of amperes, V is the voltage measured across the
conductor in units of volts, and R is the resistance of the conductor in units of ohms. More specifically,
Ohm's law states that the R in this relation is constant, independent of the current.

Voltage Regulation
Voltage regulation refers to the process of maintaining a steady output voltage level in an electrical
circuit, despite fluctuations in input voltage, load current, or other external factors. Voltage regulation
is important because many electrical devices and systems are designed to operate within a specific
voltage range, and if the voltage goes outside of that range, it can cause damage to the equipment or
prevent it from operating properly.
Voltage regulation can be achieved using various types of equipment, depending on the application
and the specific requirements. Some of the most common types of voltage regulation equipment
include:
1. Voltage regulators: These are electronic devices that use feedback circuits to maintain a
constant output voltage, regardless of changes in input voltage or load current. Voltage
regulators can be designed for specific voltage ranges and can be used in various applications,
including power supplies, voltage stabilizers, and battery chargers.
2. Transformers: Transformers are electrical devices that can increase or decrease the voltage of
an AC power supply. By adjusting the turns ratio of the transformer, it is possible to maintain a
constant output voltage, even if the input voltage fluctuates.
3. Surge protectors: These are devices that protect electrical equipment from voltage spikes and
surges, which can cause damage to sensitive electronics. Surge protectors are designed to limit
the voltage that is delivered to the equipment, preventing it from exceeding a safe operating
range.
4. Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS): UPS units are backup power systems that provide
emergency power to electrical equipment in the event of a power outage or voltage drop. UPS
units typically use batteries or other types of energy storage devices to maintain a constant
output voltage, even when the input voltage is interrupted or fluctuates.

More examples of voltage regulation equipment: Automatic voltage regulators (AVRs), Voltage
stabilizers, Line conditioners, Power inverters, Voltage regulators, Power factor correction equipment,
AC voltage regulators, etc.

In summary, voltage regulation is an essential aspect of electrical engineering, and there are various
types of equipment available to achieve it, depending on the application and specific requirements.

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 Electronic Circuit
An electronic circuit is a structure that directs and controls electric current to perform various
functions including signal amplification, computation, and data transfer. It comprises several different
components such as resistors, transistors, capacitors, inductors, and diodes. Conductive wires or traces
are used to connect the components to each other. However, a circuit is complete only if it starts and
ends at the same point, forming a loop.

Elements of an Electronic Circuit

The complexity and the number of components in an electronic circuit may change depending on its
application. However, the simplest circuit consists of three elements, including a conducting path, a
voltage source, and a load.

Element 1: Conducting Path

The electric current flows through the conducting path. Though copper wires are used in simple
circuits, they are rapidly being replaced by conductive traces. Conductive traces are nothing but copper
sheets laminated onto a non-conductive substrate. They are often used in small and complex circuits
such as Printed Circuit Boards (PCB).

Element 2: Voltage Source

The primary function of a circuit is to allow electric current to pass through it safely. So, the first key
element is the voltage source. It is a two-terminal device such as a battery, generators or power
systems that provide a potential difference (voltage) between two points in the circuit so that current
can flow through it.

Element 3: Load
A load is an element in the circuit that consumes power to perform a particular function. A light bulb is
the simplest load. Complex circuits, however, have different loads such as resistors, capacitors,
transistors, and transistors.

Electronic Components
An electronic component is any basic discrete device or physical entity in an electronic system used to
affect electrons or their associated fields. There are 2 types of electronic components:
1. Active Electronic Components: These are those (components) that can control the flow of
electricity. Examples are Transistors, Vacuum tubes, Silicon Controlled Rectifiers (SCRs),
Integrated Circuits (IC), Logic Gates, Diodes (All like LED, Rectifier Diode, Unipolar/Bipolar Diode,
etc.)
2. Passive Electronic Components: These are those that do not have the ability to control current
by means of an electrical signal. They do not have gain or directionality. Examples are Resistors,
Capacitors, some Diodes, Inductors, and Transformers.

Resistor
A resistor is an electrical device that resists the flow of electrical current. It is a passive device used to
control, or impede the flow of, electric current in an electric circuit by providing resistance, thereby
developing a drop in voltage across the device.

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Capacitor
A capacitor is a passive electrical component that can store energy in the electric field between a pair
of conductors called “plates”. The process of storing energy in the capacitor is known as “charging“.
The ability of a capacitor to store charge is measured by its capacitance.
Capacitors are used in electronic circuits as energy storage devices. They are also used to differentiate
between high-frequency and low-frequency signals. A wide variety of capacitors are available,
including electrolytic capacitors, basic parallel-plate capacitors, and mechanical variable capacitors.

Diode
A diode is a one-way valve for electricity. Diodes allow flow of electricity in one direction. Most diodes
have a painted line on one end showing the direction or flow. The negative side is normally white.

Integrated Circuit (IC)

Integrated Circuits (ICs) are package of several complex circuits. ICs are available in a wide variety of
packages and sizes. Their applications are as varied as their packages.

Transistor
A transistor is a semiconductor device. It is the fundamental building block of the circuitry in mobile
phones, computers, and several other electronic devices. A transistor has very fast response and is
used in a number of functions including voltage regulation, amplification, switching, signal modulation,
and oscillators.
Transistors may be packaged individually or they can be a part of an integrated circuit. Some of the ICs
have billions of transistors in a very small area.

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Inductor
An inductor, also known as a reactor, is a passive component of a circuit having two terminals. This
device stores energy in its magnetic field, returning it to the circuit whenever required. It was
discovered that when two inductors are placed side by side without touching, the magnetic field
created by the first inductor affects the second inductor. It was a crucial breakthrough that led to the
invention of the first transformers.

Relay
A relay is an electromagnetic switch that can open and close circuits electromechanically or
electronically. You need a relatively small current to operate a relay. Usually, they are used to regulate
low currents in a control circuit. However, you can also use relays to control high electric currents. A
relay is the electrical equivalent of a lever. You can switch it on with a small current to turn on (or
leverage) another circuit using large current. Relays are either electromechanical relays or solid-state
relays.

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