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Digital Literacy Computer Basics Computer Basics Hardware

Posted by Randy O
Randy O
1,317 Points

Is there a reason why the battery is removed as soon as possible? What happens differently if you leave it in?

When taking apart a computer (4:05 in the video), is there a reason why the battery is removed as soon as possible? What happens differently if you leave it in?

I do understand that you must remove the power but I am just wondering how the battery affects the computer when you do not remove it. I am just curious. Thank you!

1 Answer

Travis Avey
Travis Avey
18,876 Points
Travis Avey
Travis Avey
18,876 Points

I think she is referring to a laptop. Not an electrical engineer, but I would imagine if you are changing out your RAM while the battery is still in and you touch some electrical components with your greasy hands -- zap! There goes your motherboard! Or anything else important, like your CPU or even the new RAM you are putting in!

Kevin Korte
Kevin Korte
28,148 Points
Kevin Korte
Kevin Korte
28,148 Points

You're correct. If someone has ever built a computer, you'll know that components like motherboards and dedicated graphic cards are very sensitive to even static electricity. You don't want any electrical current available to these devices or you risk ruining those components.

Much like working on a car. You should disconnect the battery on a car before you work on anything electrical, (whether people do is another story, and I'm guilty of this too) as the entire car body acts as a ground, one slip up and you could short out sensitive boards and cause expensive damage as well.

Britni Alexander
Britni Alexander
10,888 Points

As someone who once nearly killed a motherboard...can confirm.