How to PROPERLY ground yourself

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Dollas4Eva_SR

Dollas4Eva_SR

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Jun 3, 2015
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Hey all, I recently got all the parts for my new computer build, and I had help from someone at the store I got all the parts at. I bought an anti static wrist band for about $4.00. I plan on building this pc today, and need a place to connect the alligator clips on the wrist strap to. My idea was either to attach it to a toaster (yes a toaster) that I would plug into an outlet in my room, and in addition, touch my dog's cage every 20 seconds to help with the discharge. But the problem is, I've seen many replies to forum threads similar to this one saying you should use a computer case. What I see that could potentially go wrong with using this to ground myself is when I am putting in delicate parts such as the PSU, CPU, and mobo, that they are touching the computer case, and they could fry or gets screwed up when in contact with the case which I am using to ground myself to.

Please tell me if the dog cage, the toaster with the alligator clips attached to it will work.
Also, do I need to have the toaster plugged in when doing this?
In addition, I live in an old house, and we do not happen to have the metal pole going all the way down in the earth, so take that into account please. I really don't want to mess anything up and cannot afford to replace any parts anytime soon. (Every single part is new, and has not been opened.)

Lastly, I need to know if touching the computer case with my bare hands without grounding myself is safe because obviously all the computer parts are going inside the case.

Thanks! If these solutions do not work, please provide additional ones.
 
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rowdymoody

rowdymoody

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Jan 16, 2013
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I understand you're being paranoid because all of your parts are brand new and you want your build to go smoothly, but you are way overthinking it.

To be honest, The only precaution I ever take when building a PC is to just make sure I am not on carpet, I set up my PC in the kitchen on the table, where the floor is tile. And I discharge myself of static only once right before I begin by touching the metal of my pc case.

I don't wear a wristband, and I don't touch something metal every few seconds. (aside from my skin touching the chassis of the case when I am putting something in it.

I have never had a part fry on me.


I am not saying that you should not take the precautions you are taking. After all, they make those wrist bands for a reason. But you will honestly be fine as long as you select a proper place to build your PC, and just clip your wristband to the PC chassis. You don't need to freak out and set a timer and touch your dog cage every 20 seconds.
 
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clamp

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Jul 29, 2015
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OK. So you have answered the most important part. Forget the toaster!

Wearing the static wrist band should be fine. This effectively keeps you in contact with the case and this will dispel any static charge you have bult up. Don't worry about accidently touching the case as this will actually ground you. The electrons will take the path of least resistance through the case to the ground.

I would also suggest that you use a hardwood or tile floor if available. This Will Reduce The likelihood of building up a static charge. The static charge really comes from electrons rubbing off the ground on to you giving you a more negative charge. So as long as you are not shuffling around the wrist band will be more than sufficient to protect you. Actually periodically touching the case (metal part) would do it. I wouldn't bother with the dog cage and definitely keep the dog away as it can cause a build up of ststic.

I also like to use an antistatic mat or the antistatic bag which comes with things like motherboards hdds and graphics cards to rest parts on when you are not directly handling them. I also always touch the metal part of the case before I pick anything up.

Hope that helps.
 
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Dollas4Eva_SR

Dollas4Eva_SR

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How about touching the power supply every now and then in addition to having socks off and having the anti static wrist strap off connected to the PAINTED computer case (corsair 300r)?
 
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rowdymoody

rowdymoody

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Jan 16, 2013
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Once again, overthinking it.

Just make sure you are not on carpet, and clamp your wrist strap to the metal part of the chassis. (even painted)

You will be fine :)
 
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Dollas4Eva_SR

Dollas4Eva_SR

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Jun 3, 2015
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Can I ground myself to the PSU outlet where you plug in the desktop?
Picture below of what I am talking about.

7Dcqiv.jpg
 
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clamp

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Jul 29, 2015
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Just connect it to an unpainted part of the case. Alternatively a case screw if your case has no unpainted areas. I wouldn't use the PSU outlet as I would think there is no connection to the case that isn't insulated. If you read a couple of the posts above you will see that you are probably over thinking things.
 
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