Building PC - Preventing Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

robjarron

robjarron

New Member
I am planing on building my own computer shortly, however i am worried about his whole ESD thing. I am thinking of investing in one of those wrist straps to clip onto the psu in the case. I am actually wanting to know how to use it, I HAVE 3 IDEAS

A. Clip it onto psu with case plugged in & powerpoint turned off
B. Clip it onto psu with case unplugged from power
C. Clip it onto psu with case that is plugged in and a moddified power cable, only using the earth lead, and cutting pos & neut off.

could anyone tell me, which, and if any of these options will work, or if there is a better way tell me that,
Thanks
 
For major computer overhauls, I use a wristband, and use option A, with it clipped to the PSU (or the case) with it plugged in, but the PSU power switch turned off.
 
As long as you're careful with components(stick them in anti-static bags, or set things on cardboard/wood if you don't have any) and periodically discharge yourself on the case/psu, you should be fine.
 
The_Other_One said:
and periodically discharge yourself on the case/psu, you should be fine.
Click to expand...

sorry im a little confused, will the psu have to be plugged in for this to discharge the static (go through earth pin in powerpoint)? or does it work just sitting on the desk by itself when i touch it?
Thanks
 
All you need to do is get an anti-static wrist strap, unplug the computer, and clip the wrist clip to any handy metal part on the case.
 
Using a wrist strap will make sure you dont have an excess of static electricity, but all you really need to do is touch the case every so often, so you dont build up static electricity, especially if you work on a carpet.
 
robjarron said:
sorry im a little confused, will the psu have to be plugged in for this to discharge the static (go through earth pin in powerpoint)? or does it work just sitting on the desk by itself when i touch it?
Thanks
Click to expand...

Touching ANYTHING metal should pretty much discharge you. The power supply is grounded to the case, so it'll be fine whether it's plugged in or not. If you have metal legs on your desk/table, they'd work just fine. Same principle with the wrist strap. Obviously, you don't have to plug it into the wall :rolleyes:
 
thanks for all your replys. I should be putting it together this weekend. This has cleared things up for me, thanks a heap.
 
when i work with computers, all i do is if u touch the metal casing once in a while.. it will discharge you... and have yet to fry a part... good luck with build..
 
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