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Static Electricity and grounding question?

A

aman74

Senior member
I'm new to building computers and want to avoid static electricity. I've done upgrading in the past, but never built a whole computer. I've always used an anti-static wrist strap, but what I would do is hook the alligator clip to the metal case frame or to something else metal, but in some recent articles I've read that if you are hooking it to a case the case must be plugged in but not on, so that there is a ground from the home outlet. Is this correct? I've heard so many people say just hook it to the case and you're fine. What do you guys do?

Thanks
 
Originally posted by: Livedistortion
What do you guys do?
Click to expand...
I have never used any anti-static wrist wrap thing in the years I have been building computers. I've built 100+ in the past year with no problems.

 
I think wrist straps have their purpose, but I never use one. I follow a few simple rules. If I am reaching into a machine (putting parts in or out) I touch the case with my forearm to even out the static charge between me and the components. Its the flow of static electricity that causes damage. Stop the flow, stop the damage. One more general rule I follow is to keep the components in their bags until I am ready. I grab the bag (evenly distributing the charge on the component) and then take it out to install. If you have a component sitting on something that may have a different charge than your work area and reach to grap it, even with a strap you will still flow static and can damage the part.

If you have trouble keeping these simple rules then maybe a strap is the way to go for you.

I try not to work on carpet (static charges can be built quickly on carpet) and I slap curious hands...........🙂
 
I have heard both also. I have been told to plug in so PC is connected to earth ground. But i have also been told it doesn't matter because even though you are not earth grounded, that you are at the same potential as the PC so you can't cause a shock. I think either is fine, and would not worry, plus you can't have the Power supply in the case all the time.

P.S. I know alot of people don't use them but if you have a anti-static wrist strap you might as well use it. You can cause damage to your component with out killing it outright(ie you could shorten its life span). A charge you can't feel can kill component. It takes in the thousands of volts for us to feel it, but alot less voltage will kill that component.
 
Posts re: precautions one should take when putting together a PC run the gamut from those taking all conceivable measures to those who take none. As in wearing a seat belt, only you know how much risk are you willing to take.

The best possible (but obviously not suggested) scenario would be to assemble your PC in a room entirely constructed of copper, including furniture, at 50% humidity. Each copper sheet would be electrically bonded to the other via a common point. This provides an EQUAL-POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENT. Equal-potential is the key word as, if all surfaces are at the same potential, no current (spark) can flow. Grounding (earthing) such a room is not necessary for building the PC, but only necessary for a safe exit/entry. Electrically connecting yourself to this environment, and placing your components on top of the conductive surfaces insures everything is at the same potential. A considerable hazard exists for one to get electrocuted in this environment, so electrical outlets would not be available unless from a monitored, isolated source. This is only an assembly room.

The point I?m trying to make in the above impractical scenario is that equal-potential is the key, not grounding. Proper grounding to maintain everything at the same potential for assembly purposes can be difficult to achieve in a residence.

Just try to keep you, the PC, and the components at the same potential. Touch the PC?s Chassis before touching internal components. Before removing a new component from its electro-static bag, touch it to the chassis, then remove it and place it on the chassis. This is an easy way to buy a reasonable amount of insurance. Wearing a wrist strap, with the other end connected to the PC frame buys a little more protection. Use an anti-static mat and buy a little more. If you choose a wrist strap, I suggest putting it on your ankle so the wire doesn?t get in the way.

Lastly, static discharge may damage a component but not prevent it from functioning. The damage may cause failure months or years later.

Regards
 
Ok, I'll use the strap connected to the chassis (but not plugged in), I'll use anti-static carpet spray, I'll touch the pc case before I touch a component, and my work space will be a wooden table. How do these steps sound as a reasonable amount of prevention?

A couple more questions though:

-is the wooden table a good idea?

-what is a good material to set my case on while assembling the pc, I don't want to scratch the table?

-is it safe to set the components on the wooden table or do I have to go directly from bag to pc or pc frame as one suggested?

-when touching the pc case to discharg myself do I have to remain touching it like one said about leaving your forearm on the case, or can I just touch it and then proceed working since I'll have the strap on?

-I didn't have my pc frame handy and I wanted to check out my new video card so touched and then attached my wrist strap to a nearby utility knife, do you think this protected the component?

Thanks
 
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