Okay. I looked this up, and I have come to the conclusion that this is as hotly debated as many of the political topics amongst two different parties who will remain nameless... *cough*. Anyways. I would like a clear cut answer here. What do I need to connect my esd band to, and do I need to have to install my psu plugged into an outlet AND turned off? I have heard MANY different approaches, some including plugging straight into the outlet itself with the wrist strap. Can I not simply connect my strap to an exposed metal part of the case and call it a day? This appears to be a question not everyone can agree on.
Grounding for First Time Assembly
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shanky887614
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Adroid
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Well let the bias begin!
I have never had a problem either way. Recently when I work on my PC I just wash and dry my hands, and wear a short sleeve shirt so I can rest my bare forearm on the edge of my metal case BEFORE touching a system component. If you have a plastic case, maybe it makes a difference I don't really know. What you want to avoid (obviously) is a static discharge onto your motherboard/CPU/RAM etc... If you touch a metal object (like a computer case) typically the static discharges there and then...
When I installed my processor I did wear rubber gloves though because I didn't want to finger print smudge it. Maybe a bit overboard but w/e.
I have never had a problem either way. Recently when I work on my PC I just wash and dry my hands, and wear a short sleeve shirt so I can rest my bare forearm on the edge of my metal case BEFORE touching a system component. If you have a plastic case, maybe it makes a difference I don't really know. What you want to avoid (obviously) is a static discharge onto your motherboard/CPU/RAM etc... If you touch a metal object (like a computer case) typically the static discharges there and then...
When I installed my processor I did wear rubber gloves though because I didn't want to finger print smudge it. Maybe a bit overboard but w/e.
I know i can go without a wrist strap. It is just serving as a security blanket, but in theory I could just leave it clipped to a metal part of my case (without the case being plugged in) and not have to worry correct? That is what I'm getting from what you are saying as it is still me touching the case... Just by proxy.
If you are connected to the system via the strap, then you and the components that you are working on will always have the same electrical potential (level of static charge). The idea is that there will be no static transfer even if you are in an environment that has you or the machine charged up.
If you ground yourself, then you may be at a 'zero potential', but the system may not be and a static discharge could still occur. Although by grounding yourself, you do eliminate the worst of static buildup and damage is far less likely.
If you ground yourself, then you may be at a 'zero potential', but the system may not be and a static discharge could still occur. Although by grounding yourself, you do eliminate the worst of static buildup and damage is far less likely.
So grounding isn't really necessary? If not, is it still wise to periodically touch the case, even with a strap, or is that something I don't need to worry about either? Apologies, but this static mess is confusing for me for some reason. I know I'm being overly paranoid, but I also want to learn.
Yes, it is generally accepted as a good idea to get rid of all the excess electrons you can (ground yourself) as frequently as possible anyway.
If you have the strap attached to the case, then you are always safe to touch the case or the components inside. That is what the strap was designed for.
And if you want to learn, then asking questions is the first step. No need to apologize.
If you have the strap attached to the case, then you are always safe to touch the case or the components inside. That is what the strap was designed for.
And if you want to learn, then asking questions is the first step. No need to apologize.
Sorry for going around in circles in this thread, but I must have gone into this without fully understanding the concept of grounding. I was under the assumption originally that using a strap would keep you grounded. Now I am all sorts of confused lol. I'm so ignorant.
Well. I will still touch the case before picking up each part while wearing the strap. I don't fully comprehend the concept of grounding and the difference between that and solely using the strap, but I can look elsewhere just for learning purposes. I don't want to keep this thread going for too long. I appreciate the responses.
One other question actually. I heard of people using psu's as means for a ground. Does that mean I can simply have it sitting out while plugged into the outlet (with the rocker switch off or if there isn't a rocker switch then plug it into a power strip that's off) while working on assembly? If so then I could just touch the psu from time to time to get rid of static? (It wont be installed into my chassis until the end) If that is all true, then is there a certain part of the psu that needs to be touched, or can anything be touched so long as it is metal? I ask because I hear some people touch some screw on it.
Yes, the PSU case is connected to the ground wire of its power cord, and thus to the ground wiring of your house (when plugged in).
Touching it frequently would drain any potential buildup from yourself and discharge it into the ground outside (that is why it is called grounding.. Follow the ground wire in your house and you will see it attached to a great long metal rod sunk into the ground) The face plate's "screw" is connected to the metal box, which is connected to the ground wire.
Don't worry. Using the wrist strap properly is all the protection you need.
Touching it frequently would drain any potential buildup from yourself and discharge it into the ground outside (that is why it is called grounding.. Follow the ground wire in your house and you will see it attached to a great long metal rod sunk into the ground) The face plate's "screw" is connected to the metal box, which is connected to the ground wire.
Don't worry. Using the wrist strap properly is all the protection you need.
shanky887614
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do not plug the strap into the wall and onto the unit, earth leakage from other pc's etc might put voltage down it and if you touch anything like a door handle which touching case etc you could get a shock and not static either.
this is why incoming water and gas are bonded in houses etc
this is why incoming water and gas are bonded in houses etc
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