Does an antistatic wristband attatch to the case or somethign else?
Is it worth getting an antistatic mat?
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Does an antistatic wristband attatch to the case or somethign else?
Is it worth getting an antistatic mat?
Yes, you can attach it to the case.
Probably not worth the hassle of getting a mat as well. To be honest, I only ever used an anti-static wriststrap once (on my first ever build).
If you touch the computer case before touching the components you are more or less guaranteed to earth yourself and prevent any problems (provided your case is metal and not plastic!)
I normally make sure that my arm is resting on the edge of the case during a build.
The wrist strap is supposed to attach to an earth strap, the earth pin of a mains plug if you are confident of your house wiring. At work we have a distinct and seperate stake.
Personally I don't have one at home, but I am very careful of what I wear (my trainers are right out!) and I make sure I touch the chassis of the PC at regular intervals.
I'm going to be the first to admit that all i do is unplug the mains and press the power button a few times. I mean the case is metal so i have to touch it to even open the thing but none of these anti-static bits
wrist strap attaches to the case, yes.
best way of grounding yourself is to touch the case, or a radiator, and not wear much clothing that can cause static (i.e. mainly manmade materials can create static) - oh and dont walk around too much as that will cause (some) static from carpets etc.
i just put the case on some soft material to stop the case getting scratched. again i only ground myslef at the start of a build and i find the wristband can get in the way from time to time, but it is good as a precautionary measure.
so just go with the wrist strap, you will be fine. all this static stuff is a bit hyped :P
ian
I always put my foot on the case to keep static away during build :)
If you want to be very careful, just ware a pair of cotten shorts & T shirt, remove mains fuse from plug, plug power cord into mains and connect to PDU, but kep switch mains OFF - PSU is earthed, touch a radiator/water pipe to ensure you discharge, and touch PSU case... don't touch and pins during the build and you will be fine.
No need for a static mat but keep your components safe - (don't use a nylon cloth, plastic surface). and you will be fine.
my anti static precautions are: touch radiator, touch case
Build pc. Oh and im not fussed on clothes i just avoid jumpers.
I just touch the case with the comp plugged in but the power switch on the back of the psu off. Never blown anything with static yet.
I've never blown anything up due to static - touch wood or should that be touch case - and I have been known to poke about a fair bit. Aslong as you touch the case before starting and have not been dragging your feet along the carpet in a fluffy jumper you won't normally produce enough static to do any damage.
I do the static precaution like 50% of the time i build stuff, havent killed anything so far, and probably built more than 200 machines --> Not a thing to worry dead about
You're all weak. I use jumper leads connected to a car battery to handle my gear.
I got a anti static wristband off ebay
woo
touching the case only grounds you if its plugged into the mains. Leaving it plugged in, but switched off at the socket and PSU works. Oh, and avoid carpets too.
Nox
All this talk of leaving the PC plugged into the mains to earth it is a tad worrying. An anti static strap should not be just a bit of wire, it has a very high resistance to reduce currents. A direct path to earth is how you get those great big sparks! I would rather see stuff just disconnected.
I must admit I generally handle consumer style goods with plastic cases, so all this "grounding the case" is a luxury I am not used to :) Still, only bother with a strap if I am in the lab where I will get a rollocking if caught without one.
Oh, and you generally won't tell if you blow something with static. The damage is generally partial and can take some time for that seed to grow to a real fault.
afaik you attatch the wrist band to the case so that you have the same charge. Just like airplanes have when re fueling.