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Safety First!

Manuals are for putting things together, not taking things apart, right? We’re about to go beyond the instruction booklets to see where the world of technological upcycling can take us! But even seasoned upcyclers need to be cautious when dealing with electronics. Messing around with old devices doesn’t come without its risks. Once we alter how something works and plug it into a power source, improperly connected components can be harmful or deadly. So to help alleviate becoming human toast, please be sure to tap into your common (and uncommon) senses when creating your own devices. Along with that, here are a few tips to help you stay safe.

Red Wire or Green Wire?

If you’ve never cracked open an electronic device before, staring at all those wires, circuits, and components can be a little bit daunting. To help demystify the unfamiliar land of electronics, it would be beneficial to know at least some of the components you’re looking at so that you can navigate this new territory easily. Not only is this knowledge recommended for safety reasons (since for example, some components can store electrical charges), but it also aids in scavenging for useful parts and components.

Where’s That Fire Extinguisher?

Aside from what you have decided to work on, where you decide to work on it is just as important. Make sure that your workspace has plenty of ventilation and is safe and dry. Try not to have too much clutter or debris that can get in the way. First-aid kits and fire extinguishers are always a good thing to have. Also, wearing proper safety equipment such as goggles, antistatic gloves, face masks, and so on is a good idea. Hey, if we’re channeling our inner mad scientists, we might as well look the part, right?

Electricity Is DANGEROUS

Although you probably already know this, it’s important to point out that electricity can be very harmful or deadly. Always disconnect power before working on a device. Capacitors can store electricity long after a unit has been powered off, so it’s important to learn how to properly discharge them before handling them. Use surge protectors and never plug anything directly into a wall outlet. And if you smell something burning, disconnect power immediately.