Are motherboard traces conductive?

[Antoneo]

I was just wondering but are the visible traces on motherboards (or any PCBs) conductive? Or is a non-conducting clear coat applied over the entire board?

 

[biostud]

Covered, otherwise it would short-circuit too easy. But the solderings are conductive. AFAIK.

 

[Dasterdly]

If you install the mb without stand-offs it will most likely short out and not boot.

 

[EULA]

Originally posted by: Dasterdly
If you install the mb without stand-offs it will most likely short out and not boot.

I did this...

I had an older computer that just wasnt working, so I had the MB tipped up as I plugged it in. I layed it down in the case, and I heard some zapping noises and seen some sparks...