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How much static is too much?

Tags:
  • Hand
  • Components
  • Motherboards
  • Sound Cards
Last response: in Motherboards
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May 5, 2014 5:39:32 AM

I don't wear footwear inside the house, my feet are always touching the ground. If I casually run my hand through my hair and then touch a capacitor on a sound card, will I damage it?

More about : static

a b V Motherboard
May 5, 2014 5:47:58 AM

firstrig said:
I don't wear footwear inside the house, my feet are always touching the ground. If I casually run my hand through my hair and then touch a capacitor on a sound card, will I damage it?


There isnt really a way to say how much is too much. Generally speaking the cap won't be affected as most modern day boards and components have durability built in. However, it all depends on various factors such as where you live, weather, your house etc.... If you are worried and tbh, just to be safe, I would recommend buying a £2 (around) anti-static wristband or a anti-static mat. It eliminates the doubt and keeps peace of mind. You just attach to a large grounded metal object such as your PC case or a radiator. Worth the money imo:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pack-Anti-Static-Wrist-Strap-Gr...
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Anonymous
May 5, 2014 5:50:08 AM

You would feel the electricity coming out of your finger into the sound card, and yes it might damage it.

To keep everything safe, keep one of your hands or feet touching the metal part of the computer case so the electricity in your body would be discharged and you wont have static electricity.
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May 5, 2014 5:53:53 AM

Will do. Will the computer case need to be grounded by plugging it into the socket or will a standalone case be able to absorb the static even if the case is placed on an insulated table?
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Anonymous
May 5, 2014 6:20:39 AM

firstrig said:
Will do. Will the computer case need to be grounded by plugging it into the socket or will a standalone case be able to absorb the static even if the case is placed on an insulated table?


No need to plug anything, its just physics.

The energy will just go through the metal and into the ground.
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a b V Motherboard
May 5, 2014 6:45:12 AM

Yes, the case needs to be plugged in for the electricity to have a path to the ground. If you are really that concerned about static, just touch a screw that's on one of your wall sockets before touching any computer gear. The screw will be connected to the metal which if properly wired should be connected to the ground wire.
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