Prevent Static Electric Discharge

[Zehurricane]

Im new to building a computer and im just wondering how to prevent electric discharge. my house is like all carpet except the kitchen and bathroom and im just wondering how to prevent and reduce electric discharge.

sry for this noobish question but i dont want to risk damage my 8800gt and the extreame quad. Thank! =D

 

[g4m3rof1337]

You can invest in an anti static wrist band, or just touch the metal part of your case, to ground yourself. But if your paranoid you can use an anti static wrist band.


You can buy them online, or at a computer store.

http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Anti-Static-Wrist-Adjustable-Grounding/dp/B00004Z5D1

 

[Zehurricane]

yea im kind of paranoid after all the cpu cost 1200 aus dollar ><. how much is the static wrist band??

 

[g4m3rof1337]

Well, for the US, its like $5 They dont cost much money. I went through the same kind of paranoia when building my case, I bought a wrist band, and didnt use it. I grounded myself to my case, and worked on tile.


Good luck, if you have any other questions, be sure to ask.

 

[Platinum]

I just keep my forearms in constant contact with the metal of the case... never had a problem personally. And I've built on carpet too.

 

[g4m3rof1337]

Also, use common sense. But if your going to be working on your PC, on the inside, a lot, you may find that a strap is annoying. So, experiment with both.

 

[porterjw]

I'd forgo the wristband altogether. Most days, I'm in and out of systems all day long and never have a problem. Just unplug the PSU, open the case, and touch the inside bare case metal - no more static.

And I've built on carpet too.

So I'm not the only one who does that? The living room floor is my favorite Build spot!

 

[g4m3rof1337]

I dont go as far as unplugging the PSU, I just turn it off via the switch on the back, and have at it.

 

[kobaj]

Its actually better to have your PSU plugged in and just the switch off, as that helps discharge more static then just the case alone. That is as long as your plug-in is wired correctly and you have a good PSU ;P.

 

[jimmymac]

i've always just touched a radiator to ensure im discharged before starting any work. Not had a single issue in 12+ years

 

[Deamos]

I use a static wrist strap and remove the cord from the PSU. I know most of the techs here at my school recommend in addition to use an anti-static mat as well.

 

[footballdude2k3]

touch metal, easiest and cheapest way to ground yourself

 

[tremmor]

i use a strap. not always though. in the winter i might be extreme. the touch metal works well but dont forget the static from winter will usually be associated
with carpet and your feet. scraping on the carpet and collecting a static build up. wearing sox. another answer is bare feet.