Question: What's the best way to prevent static distcharge?

[Stavros]

My computer (In my sig) costs roughly $1,300. My dad's paranoid about static discharge ruining a part of my computer. What should I do to prevent static discharge? (precautions stuff like that). Oh, should I invest in one of those Anti-static discharge bands? I'm leaning towards it myself. Thanks.

 

[Aphex_Tom_9]

ugh, i hate when people get really paranoid about static. Like, unless you're wearing wool socks on a carpet during the winter running around with your hardware grounded somehow, you shouldnt have to worry. I handle hardware all the time and have never had a problem with it...

 

[Enablingwolf]

Around here when the temps drop below feezing I worry about static. Even when I am lounging around barefoot I discharge. Since your in a humid enviroment it should not be as bad. During the summer here I don't get shocked as much.

I you really want one they make static straps.
http://www.directron.com/1160120.html

The alternative is to ground out on your case before touching any parts.

 

[Kendan]

ugh, i hate when people get really paranoid about static. Like, unless you're wearing wool socks on a carpet during the winter running around with your hardware grounded somehow, you shouldnt have to worry. I handle hardware all the time and have never had a problem with it...

Well hate the fact that there is good reason to be paranoid about it especially when you are handling the same computer over and over again. Static is cummulative which means that it might not cause it to malfunction on the first or second or third time but once it builds enough up BAM. by the way it only takes 10 volts to fry a microchip whereas it takes 1,500 volts for you to even perceive a static shock. Some areas are a lot more prone to it than others like low humidity and such. It is not hard to use a strap if you are in an environment that can easily produce static electricity (dry) and at minimum touch the psu case even if you are not in a environment that it is likely(Humid).

http://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Computer_Science/2002/static.asp

http://www.pcguide.com/care/care/gen/powerESD-c.html

 

[Gnufsh]

My computer (In my sig) costs roughly $1,300. My dad's paranoid about static discharge ruining a part of my computer. What should I do to prevent static discharge? (precautions stuff like that). Oh, should I invest in one of those Anti-static discharge bands? I'm leaning towards it myself. Thanks.

A wrist strap is inexpensive, and not a bad idea. Short of that, make sure to ground yourself before touching computer components.

 

[Evil_Eye]

As the guy above me said, ground yourself before handling computer components.

Either touching the PSU or a nearby bar of metal, like the leg of a table, ought to do it.

 

[telexen]

I always (ALWAYS) ground myself just by touching something near me that is metal. Most of my computer work at home is done on a table underneath a light fixture...so I just reach up and tough the metal part.

Static won't always kill a component...but it can. I've even seen a person touch a video card while the system was running, zapping it pretty good. It didn't even flinch.

 

[z0n3]

Get some latex gloves from CVS. No discharge then.

 

[batboy]

It's a good idea to be aware of static and take steps to prevent it, but as long as you discharge any potential static buildup by touching the metal case frame of side of the PSU like was mentioned ,you should be ok. I've worked on computers for years using this method. On the other hand, an anti-static wrist band is cheap insurance and easy to use. In your situation, your parents would have more peace of mind if you used some protection, so why not?

 

[Evil_Eye]

Get some latex gloves from CVS. No discharge then.

It's kind of overkill...but I'm actually going to buy some. My hands get so sweaty that sometimes I fry components after I touch them.

 

[K15]

My computer (In my sig) costs roughly $1,300. My dad's paranoid about static discharge ruining a part of my computer. What should I do to prevent static discharge? (precautions stuff like that). Oh, should I invest in one of those Anti-static discharge bands? I'm leaning towards it myself. Thanks.

Do you ever get a shock when you go to turn a light on or off? If yes, worry about it a little bit. If you never get a shock from anything, don't worry about it too much. Of course do the work on hardwood, vinyl or laminate floor (AKA, NOT carpet) and hold something else metal (a grounded case would be best, or even just plug the PSU in outside of the case and rest a hand on it, doesn't need to be on.)
I've handled hardware a lot too, never a problem (aside from a laptop once, but I don't think that was static.)

 

[Stavros]

I've gotten a shock from turning on a light once, but not since then. It's rare that I a static shock (unless I'm on the trampoline). Other than that it's very rare.

 

[Enablingwolf]

When it is dry there or really windy or a combo of both will you get static down there. It does happen, and imagine it happening at the worst time.

Taking precautions will take the risk factor down. Wrist straps are dirt cheap. Foil hats are even cheaper, and will let you work on a rig without worrying about the folks griping. They will wonder more about the foil hat. lol

 

[Stavros]

I don't have a problem with static, but with my luck I might kill a part. I want to minimize that as much as possible. I think the Anti-Static Wristband is like $11 at the local Radioshack.

[Edit] My family'll probably think I've watched "Signs" too many times. lol

 

[Gnufsh]

Get some latex gloves from CVS. No discharge then.

You could build up a static charge on the surface of the glove (like you caqn on a balloon).

Static buildup of 200V is enough to damage a chip, but you won't feel it until around 2000V. See here "how to destroy your computer":
http://www.dansdata.com/gz009.htm

Here's some good advice concerning ESD:
http://www.dansdata.com/gz009.htm

 

[demortey]

just ground yourself...it iwll save you "just incase". you can fry things on your board without you knowing, or them showing. say, for example, the parallel port. mine is fried on my NF2 board, and ESD is the only hting i can relate it to. it worked when i was using a parallel printer a long time ago, then i didnt use it, and i needed to plug in a scanner last month and theres no parallel port.

play it safe and ground yourself. even if you don't want to wear the strap...at leaset run a wire from baremetal on teh case to the side of an electrical box, a faucet, or the screw on the front of a plug or something. when you are working in your computer your wrists are usually resting on the edge of the case grounding you anyways.

 

[Stavros]

Ok, let's say I get the wrist strap. Do I clamp it on the case? I'm still confused about grounding.

[Edit] Is it possible to ruin a PC if I plug a wire into a wrong recepticle?

 

[bapski]

im lucky i dont experience static shock or getting any while working with my rig. or maybe as what has been mentioned, i may not just know it?

but my problem is always at work.i get a shock almost always while trying to open a door! and its becoming irritating.

 

[BstOnTheBrain]

Would building a computer with surgical gloves on increase the risk of static shock..i dunno why im asking; im a neat freak and plan on wearing gloves when i start building it..seeing as how doobies, pizza and soda will be involved in the process. ANYWAYS, just get a grounding strap if your so concerened..you shouldnt be though..

 

[Enablingwolf]

Ok, let's say I get the wrist strap. Do I clamp it on the case? I'm still confused about grounding.

[Edit] Is it possible to ruin a PC if I plug a wire into a wrong recepticle?

Normally yes. Long as it is grounded somewhere. It keeps you from building up a charge.


Depending on if it is a passive plug or not. In general terms, I say yes. Depending if it recieves power or gives power. I have burnt up hardware plugging in the wrong plug before.

Most plugs cannot be plugged in wrong nowadays. They are either marked(color coded) or a disimilar shape. motherboard plugs are becoming keyed, so that makes it easier. The wires that indicate power and HD activity will be damaged if hooked up wrong. Possibly the whole board if you don't read far enough ahead and look at the ends of the plugs to see what they are for. On some boards they are color coded now on the board itself.