Originally posted by: MisterChief
Anybody ever "static" their system to DEATH? I've never heard of a comp that got zapped and broke down.
That attempt would be difficult enough to profit by some intent and some knowledge of how to exactly apply the zap.
😉
And yes, I've done it. Twice even.
😱 But it was a long time ago, and I don't think I quite deserve that all the embarrasing details are posted.
The question itself does somewhat, to me, suggest a misunderstanding about the threat of static electricity to computer hardware?
Computer components are generally not damaged by "zapping", but by ordinary, always present, static differentials. These are much too weak to be ever felt or noticed as static charge. They are however quite enough to damage microscopic transistors and capacitors, intended to cope only with ~1½V and a few electrons.
You easily avoid this by never touching pins, leads, solders or connectors. At least not until you've been in contact with the component for a while. Similarily, you do
NOT immediately connect two components, so that they make their first contact with their connectors or other conductive parts. Instead, equalize potential first, by touching both parts with the same hand simultaneously. Then bring the connectors together.
The whole idea is simple. The electric potential between two objects should be equalized, but
never through any of the the circuitry. As long as this does not entirely depend upon chance and good luck alone, static really isn't much of a problem.
Persons receiving a lot of "bad" components, should perhaps review their habits.
