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→Precautions
# Connecting any pin to a voltage greater than 3v3 or less than 0v.
To fully protect a pin, attach a moderate resistance (220+ ohms) and a reversed zener diode to ground rated just above 3v3. If you don't do this, double- and triple-check your circuits before attaching them to your Pi -- having another pair of eyes look at your circuit is also a good idea.
It is also important to protect the Pi against:
# Over/under-voltage from the power supply.
# Short circuits due to stray tools, wire snippets, solder blobs, hardware, foil, conductive work surfaces, or liquids. Keep your workspace clean and clear while hardware hacking.
== Using the Raspberry Pi with a Breadboard ==
There are three ways to attach the Pi's GPIO pin header to a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breadboard solderless breadboard]:
# Use an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insulation-displacement_connector IDC] ribbon cable assembly which terminates in a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual_in-line_package DIP] adapter plug or a small PCB with two rows of pin headers 0.3" apart.
# Use female-to-male [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jump_wire jumper wires]. The female end is connected to a selected pin in the GPIO pin header, and the male end is attached to the breadboard.
# Use micro test clips (J-clips, grabber clips) to attach to individual header pins. The micro test clips can be attached to wires inserted into the breadboard, or you can use double-ended test clip cables and attach to devices plugged into the breadboard.