I know a good idea would be to use an IC socket instead of soldering the IC directly onto the board but if I do not have the socket for my 16 pin DIP AT89C2051 microcontroller, can I still go ahead and do it without causing the IC to be damaged?

Also, does a soldering iron pass any electricity while it is active?

I can’t speak for that chip specifically, but I’ve never had a problem soldering PIC chips directly to boards. But you’re right, the recommended route is to use a socket. If the chip dies, it’s a pain to remove it without a socket, and you’re somewhat likely to mess up at least one pad. I’d recommend wick if you need to remove it.

The chip’s spec sheet might give you some indication on how much heat it can take, but I’d be willing to bet it can survive an iron just fine.

Does a soldering iron pass electricity? Here we come to a question I’ve had some debates with people about… Check out some of the posts at an instructable article we did a while ago.

I think you’re probably OK with an standard “non-gun” iron. Soldering guns create heat by passing current through a resistive element, and although it’s low voltage, I can’t say whether or not it’s low enough. The Weller WES51 specs emphasize it’s very low tip-to-ground voltage (2mV rms), but I’m not sure just what voltage levels are acceptable for what applications. In general, diodes and transistors (CMOS) devices are more static electricity sensitive. How much voltage is on a standard iron’s tip? Not sure on that one, either…

The “cold heat” soldering irons definitely have some voltage on the end. The tip is a fork shape that only heats up when your component bridges the gap. What circuits could this actually harm? Another hard question to answer.