Do you observe anti static precautions when building?

Baldbloke

Baldbloke

Baldbloke

Associate
Joined
26 Nov 2010
Posts
1,433
Location
Thorne Yorkshire
I'll hopefully be doing a new build later today. Just waiting for the delivery van to arrive.

I've done a few builds over the years. I have always worn an anti static wrist strap to prevent damage. As I recall from college days, static damage does not always show up immediately. It can sometimes take months for a weakened transistor junction to fail. So often a static damaged pcb is not identified as static damage. Component failure is often blamed on the manufacturing process. So far as I can tell, I have not zapped any chips or boards.

So just wondering, how many folks do in fact understand the potential (excuse the pun) for static damage.

Do you use a wrist strap?

Come to think of it, are modern chips and pcbs more or less prone to static damage than they used to be?
 
I do wear a wrist strap, can't say how important it is but after working in a electronics factory who wouldn't let you enter without two straps on your shoes, a wrist strap and a static test upon entering the lab, well it's kind of burned into my memory :D

That said, touching the case whilst plugged in (not switched on of course), should be enough for a simple grounding. Could even touch an unpainted surface on say a central heating radiator nearby.
 
I wear an esd wrist strap as it was drummed into me
By the company I use to work with

Better safe than sorry
 
No, cant say I do. The computer case is usually ground enough. I do have a build mat with a crocodile clip to earth although I rarely use it.

andy
 
Sometimes, as long as you are careful with components all should be ok, but having said that i have been heavy handed with computer hardware and zipping around creating static and never had a major problem, or zapped a chip because of static or atmospheric electricity i created :D
 
I would use a strap if I had one :-D

Used to work in a factory getting all the parts ready for multi-million pound orders per trolley (telecomm's industry), and had to wear a strap every time we touched a part etc... but as long as you ground yourself first you should be fine. I have never knowingly ruined any part because of static.
 
I really don't see the point anymore, just touch your case first if your worried.

So long as you don't do anything stupid like assemble a PC on carpet then you should be ok.
 
An esd wrist strap is one of those things I always mean to buy and never get around to it.
I'm writing it on a post it and sticking to my monitor now
 
No, although I did for first few but I think it was drummed into me that it was a really high risk. Built one pc on a nylon carpet and that turned out fine.
 
Nope.

I touch the case first, and sometimes a radiator or something similar. I do tend to not handle things unless needed though, in other words I won't just hold a motherboard and inspect it, I'll put it down on say its box first.
 
Before a build I touch a rad pipe and thats it, if I am updating a pc with a card or memory I just keep the PSU plugged in.
 
Yes I use ESD protection when working with electronic devices

Having spent 18 odd years in the Electronics industry it is better to err on
the side of caution. It can takes months / years for the damage to become apparent.

@OP , no modern chips are still easily damaged by static discharge sadly :(
 
RJC said:
Before a build I touch a rad pipe and thats it, if I am updating a pc with a card or memory I just keep the PSU plugged in.
Click to expand...

the same as.
also remember, to hold in power button to discharge properly, after unplugging.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom