Anti-Static Wrist wrap question

[JoeFaheyx]

hi, i was wondering,how is a anti-static wrist band used? it says to attach the alligator clip to the non painted part of the case, is that the back of the computer? also, when and where do i have to touch with my hand? one last one, when you completly take the case off, and there is not case, what do i do then and do you neede to use a wrist wrap if it is the first time the part has been used, like when you are first putting it together.....sorry if too many questions.....THANKS

 

[StrangerGuy]

Why bother with the wrist wrap? They are so troublesome.

Before handling any sensitive PC component, just touch any exposed metal of the case and you are properly grounded. Then you are safe from ESD discharge. Just repeat it everytime whenever you move around in your workspace.

BTW don't touch the gold contacts/pins of any component.

 

[farmercal]

it says to attach the alligator clip to the non painted part of the case, is that the back of the computer?

attach it to any part of the computer frame which is the unpainted inside metal

when and where do i have to touch with my hand?

Not quite sure what your question means....but I'll try to answer anyway. After attaching the wrist strap touch any part of the frame which will eliminate any static from your body.

when you completly take the case off, and there is not case, what do i do then and do you neede to use a wrist wrap if it is the first time the part has been used, like when you are first putting it together.....

Put the wrist strap on before you begin and leave it on when handling parts or anything inside the case.

Of course many people (including myself) just ensure that we keep a body part touching the frame when working inside the case. A wrist strap is better caution for a newbie

Good Luck,

Cal

 

[lowpost]

esd can still build up after you've "discharged" yourself. A wriststrap is a good precaution. Small amounts of ESD which are undetectable by human eyes or ears can still affect electrical components.

Connecting the alligator clip to the case will work.

 

[nick1985]

pfff....ive built over 15 systems without a stupid anti static wrist band, 0 problems. i think computer hardware is WAY more durable than most people think.

 

[PliotronX]

Originally posted by: lowpost
esd can still build up after you've "discharged" yourself. A wriststrap is a good precaution. Small amounts of ESD which are undetectable by human eyes or ears can still affect electrical components.

Connecting the alligator clip to the case will work.

True, especially when wearing clothing made of synthetic fiber. Most people don't realize it takes >2,000 volts to feel it, >3,000 volts to hear it, and >10,000 volts to see it, while it takes a few tens of volts to create "latent damage" in a silicon circuit. Remaining grounded is the only sure way to know that a problem now or later wasn't caused by ESD. Some people justify not using grounding equipment by making up a theory that today's electronics employ "diodes" that protect from ESD. If it were true, components wouldn't be shipped in protective coverings. It's a good discipline to have for precaution.

JoeFahey, the unpainted metal is usually the gray areas as the entire metallic chassis is grounded by the connection through the power supply. Clip it to a thin metal part that is out of your way, and you can have the resistor/wire on the strap on top or below your wrist depending on which area of the case you're working with. With the wrist strap, your entire body is grounded. If the clip falls off, no need to panic. Even when grounded, avoid touching the surface mount devices (SMD's) or the contacts on the components (hold the board by the edges). If possible, pick up an arsenal of ESD-safe tools to use and touch their working tips when you're grounded before working with them. You only need to practice anti-ESD when working inside the machine, or especially with components before they're inside the machine. When the machine is unplugged or you have components outside of the case, you can build a grounding cable and plug it into a power socket that has a working third prong (earth ground). I use a long cable with a ring connector on one end, and a tinned hook on the other where I clip the wrist strap onto. Once the machine is closed and plugged in, you can touch the case all you wish (careful, it might grow fond of you ). Good luck :beer:

 

[AmdEmAll]

When I was a newb I used an anti static strap. It just got in the way. Now I just plug in the PSU and switch it OFF. Then the case is grounded. If I move around I'll just touch the case. I've built over 20 computers and have had no problems with ESD. I'm sure there is still a small risk of ESD but im not gonna loose sleep over it.

 

[snidy1]

Originally posted by: nick1985
pfff....ive built over 15 systems without a stupid anti static wrist band, 0 problems. i think computer hardware is WAY more durable than most people think.

I used to say the same thing until I fried my bios chip