Go to the previous chapter: General tips.
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Do not connect the power supply terminals to each other. This would create a short circuit, which may damage the power supply or cause an explosion.
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Do not leave the breadboard connected to a power supply unattended.
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Do not touch the integrated circuit elements with bare hands when the main circuit is live. They are electrostatically sensitive components, and you may easily damage them with the static charge build up in your body.
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To avoid static electricity, discharge yourself by touching grounded metal or use insulated chip tweezers to hold the components.
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Do not remove or insert any component in the breadboard while the circuit is live. Disconnect the power from the circuit prior to working on it.
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It is essential to observe correct polarity when connecting certain components (e.g. electrolytic capacitors, piezoelectric speakers, LEDs, power supplies) to the circuit. Reversing the polarity of an electrolytic capacitor will break down the dielectric inside the capacitor, which will eventually explode.
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If you ever see or smell smoke when building a circuit, you should immediately disconnect the power supply.
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Prevent water or any other liquids from getting onto the breadboard. If water spilled onto the breadboard, immediately unplug it from the supply, remove all components, turn it over to allow the water to drain out through the holes, then put it in its original position and leave it to dry at normal room temperature. You can use compressed air to dry it out, but do not use hot air, because the wet metal strips inside the breadboard will rust faster when subjected to high temperature.
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Keep your workplace clean and in order.
