#68 - Question/Answer: Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

Q. How do you remove the static electricity in your body before you touch computer hardware so you don't destroy it?

A. The best option is to purchase an anti-static wrist strap. Alternatively install your PSU and connect power cord to outlet and touch a metal non-painted part of the case. Provided of course your home or office is properly grounded.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• computer
• anti-static
• Electrostatic Discharge
• ESD
• ground
• grounding

[kakka626]

I think i destroyed my pc by vacuuming it from dust, now it wont start at all, nothin happens. my pc cost 1200 euros and now i ruined it, is warranty gonna replace it from a small shop i bought it from? is there any leads taht i failed it if teh computer is broken? i lie to them to get the warranty replace it. that pc was my birthday present so i need to lie or my parents gonna kill me :((

[unstealthypanda]

@iluvfuz Your BEST option is the anti-static band, but it's overkill. You can always install your power supply in the case & plug the power cord into the wall socket WITHOUT the power turned on and just keep touching the PSU.

[Dave30867]

Carpet is the worst static builder that i know of i get zapped getting out of my car all the time but at home never ,i have tiles all through my home no carpet at all .

have never been zapped inside the house ,hope this help all .

Cheers .

[KiraYamato636]

so next time if anyone want to have sex, they have to buy an anti static condom just in case of getting shocked:P

[TheJesusIrl]

@somekiwidude I find that grammar and spelling are quite essential too, please go back to school.

[iluvfuz]

The case I'm looking at is completely painted and this will be my first computer build. What should I do in terms of anti-static measures? I've read that hooking an anti-static alligator clip on a painted metal surface WILL dissipate electrostatic charges. However, I want more opinions. If not, will I be able to connect the wrist band to an unpainted screw that is screwed into the case or PSU that is off?

Thanks. PC building looks fun and I want to make it as painless as possible.

[kght222]

he's right best option is a wrist band, but for casual hardware changes, a wrist band is overkill, just tap something unpainted on your case (in truth the psu is a better option) before you handle a component and be sure you don't move around that much while doing so, you don't need to be rigid or anything, but walking around on shag carpet while holding a $400 video card isn't a great idea. the wrist bands are most used by component level micro-electricians.

[ForArtanisx]

Can't I just dampen a towel and touch it every once in awhile to remove the static discharge? Reply to this question would be nice

[shetalkscrazytalk84]

make sure you're wearing shoes and try not to be too neurotic

[daswada9]

how can i make homemade anti-static wrist strap ?