Is it okay to ground myself with another computer?

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noelpioroda

Honorable
Apr 10, 2013
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10,510
So I'm planning on upgrading my GPU and PSU on a new computer I had recently purchased. I'm just wondering if I can ground myself by touching a whole DIFFERENT opened computer frequently as I work on my main computer? I was thinking of leaving the power plug connected to the PSU and just frequently touching the PSU before handling any parts. Is this safe?

EDIT: ALSO, a problem with both computers is that they don't have the ROCKER switch in the back :S .
 
Solution
photonboy
Leaving the POWER CORD attached provides a ground.
You are thus grounded by touching the case or any other grounded part of the PC.

So:
1) Leave the PC plugged in, and
2) turn the POWER SWITCH to off

As for the OTHER computer, touching it will ground you to the SAME common ground both PC's use. If you do NOT have the power cord plugged in on the one you're working on though it's not actually grounded.

So you can DISCHARGE any built-up static through the plugged in PC, but still have a potential difference with the one that's not plugged in causing you to shock it. It's unlikely to happen though as the unplugged PC shouldn't have much charge but it is possible.

You should avoid working in areas with CARPETS that can easily build up a...
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manofchalk

manofchalk

Glorious
May 11, 2012
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As long as you make contact with a grounded object relatively often, you should be fine when it comes to ESD.
If the other computer (or the one your working on) is plugged into power, its grounded. Its a safe bet you could also ground yourself on a toaster if you wanted.
 
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photonboy

photonboy

Titan
Jun 20, 2006
21,567
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85,015
Leaving the POWER CORD attached provides a ground.
You are thus grounded by touching the case or any other grounded part of the PC.

So:
1) Leave the PC plugged in, and
2) turn the POWER SWITCH to off

As for the OTHER computer, touching it will ground you to the SAME common ground both PC's use. If you do NOT have the power cord plugged in on the one you're working on though it's not actually grounded.

So you can DISCHARGE any built-up static through the plugged in PC, but still have a potential difference with the one that's not plugged in causing you to shock it. It's unlikely to happen though as the unplugged PC shouldn't have much charge but it is possible.

You should avoid working in areas with CARPETS that can easily build up a charge in your person.

SUMMARY:
- don't involve a second PC
- leave the PC you're working on plugged in
- touch the case before touching any internal components
- turn the POWER SWITCH on the PSU to OFF
- work in electrically neutral (no carpets) area
 
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