Anti Static

[thescreensavers]

Hey Guys,

Quick question, I never had to explain to some one too much in detail about discharging Static from your self. All I told them to do was touch the PSU while it was plugged in, then unplug it. And touch the PSU each time when handling parts.

Is this sufficient?


Also Surfaces like wood, cardboard and glass are good to put electronics on right? I have always done it that way and never had an issue but just making sure.

Thanks

 

[zerocool84]

All you really need to do is touch a metal part of the chassis or case and you should be fine for discharge.

 

[thescreensavers]

the thing is, I am writing up something with my wooden PC and all it has is a PSU and CD-Rom stacked ontop of each other for metal.

So yea

 

[Modelworks]

The best way to work with electronics is with an anti static mat . I know most hobbyist are not going to have one so the next best thing is a wrist strap. You can get them for $5 . It goes around your wrist has a connector on it that then connects to a long wire you clip to a grounded source like the case.

Glass /plastic/wood is a bad idea for a work surface. The reason is it can act as a capacitor. Anytime you have a layer of glass or plastic with a layer of metal you could create a capacitor effect. You really want the surface to conduct electricity not insulate it.

So to answer you question, at least get a wrist strap.
http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Anti-St...bxgy_hi_text_b

anti-static mat
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...BSJF8T27P7DN4Z

 

[mmntech]

I work in my basement, usually on a wooden table or grounded metal table (ie my freezer). I stand on a concrete floor with shoes on. Never used those wrist straps. When I'm working, I'll discharge myself occasionally on a metal water pipe.

 

[Modelworks]

Never used those wrist straps. When I'm working, I'll discharge myself occasionally on a metal water pipe.

The problem with static damage is it often doesn't destroy a part completely, it weakens it so that it will fail sooner and often you will not even know that a static discharge has happened. It actually is more of a threat now to devices than it was years ago. The reason is that devices no longer use high voltages for logic levels, the gates are much more sensitive now. Voltages have gone from 10V to 5V to 3.3V to 1.8V for the maximum voltage a gate can take without damage. Touching the case occasionally or something grounded every now and then doesn't prevent it because unless you remember to do it constantly you still have times where you can carry a charge.