Possible anti-static prolem?

Mr Doovde

Mr Doovde

Mr Doovde

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25 Jan 2009
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506
After asking and reading about anti-static precautions on Ocuk, I was aiming to ground myself on a radiator in my bedroom; and luckily, I don't receive all my components for my first build until tomorrow.

The strange thing is (and I've never had a problem before) is that when I walked to the window and back again to to my computer desk, I passed on an electrostatic discharge to my new case. Now I'm thinking that this may be a problem as I will ground myself on the radiator and have to walk back across the carpet tomorrow. Unfortunately, I also can't use another room. I know the chances of it happening again are minuscule, but I'm a little bit paranoid now (as if I wasn't already :)). I've also been told that other people have had an occasional problem with this carpet :eek:.

I'm thinking of using the power supply, when fitted in the case, to ground myself when dealing with components outside the case. I understand that I have to have the psu in the 'off position', and I'm assuming the mains plug that the psu is fitted to also has to be switched off??? Though I must admit I'm a little bit paranoid about the whole psu thing. Someone has given me an anti-static wrist strap, which I figured I might as well use when working in the case.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.
 
put the psu in the case, attach the power cord and plug it in but leave the socket off.

This grounds the whole case. everytime you go to touch a new component touch the case this will discharge you off all static.

Rinse and Repeat.
 
Don't get yourself worked up about it like your PC will explode :D

Do what IceWind said, move about the room as little as possible, don't use hoovers or dusters to clean things :D
 
You want to avoid wearing any clothing with polyester or other man made fibres, cotton is fine. The carpet is also not your friend. You could try taking off your shoes and socks.
 
Whilst you are waiting for the parts, can't you pop out a buy an antistatic mat? Then connect the anti-static wrist strap to a metal part of your case (as said above) and the put your components on the mat when they are out of the case?
 
Jakstaar2007 said:
Whilst you are waiting for the parts, can't you pop out a buy an antistatic mat? Then connect the anti-static wrist strap to a metal part of your case (as said above) and the put your components on the mat when they are out of the case?
Click to expand...

Why?

The graphics cards and motherboard will come in an anti static bag any way
 
Good point. So just put them on that and you are set. As long as you are always connected to your case, you will always be at the same charge as your parts in the case, so there shouldn't be any problems.
 
Thanks for all the advice guys, it's really appreciated. I would purchase a mat, but I really don't want to spend more money unless I absolutely have to. I think I will ground myself to the the earth pin on a normal wall socket with the wrist strap, as that is what this particular one seems to be designed for. Although I won't be the same electrical potential as the case, by alternatively attaching the wrist strap to it, I'm guessing I should discharge/prevent any build-up of static?

One last thing, Is it ok to put/build the components on a wooden table, even though it is connected to that dreaded floor? Or should I just fiddle with them on the anti static-bags? Right. that should be my paranoia over with, though it's great enough at the moment to momentarily make me consider the 'naked building idea' :D.
 
Mr Doovde said:
Thanks for all the advice guys, it's really appreciated. I would purchase a mat, but I really don't want to spend more money unless I absolutely have to. I think I will ground myself to the the earth pin on a normal wall socket with the wrist strap, as that is what this particular one seems to be designed for. Although I won't be the same electrical potential as the case, by alternatively attaching the wrist strap to it, I'm guessing I should discharge/prevent any build-up of static?

One last thing, Is it ok to put/build the components on a wooden table, even though it is connected to that dreaded floor? Or should I just fiddle with them on the anti static-bags? Right. that should be my paranoia over with, though it's great enough at the moment to momentarily make me consider the 'naked building idea' :D.
Click to expand...

Does your wooden table conduct electricity lol :D

So to sum up:

Yes build on a wooden table, place components when not using on anti static bags for releif or your paranoia and ease of mind.

Take your shoes and socks of, and any other unnesasary items of clothing that may build up static

First thing to install is the PSU, no excuses lol plug this in but make sure it is either switched off at the wall or on the back of the power supply, this way your case is earthed and relieved of static, just touch the case every now and again

If wanting to be perfectly safe purchase/use your anti static strap, if the end of the starp has a plug, plug it in or if it has a crocodile clip then clip to a metal part of the case that the psu is touching in the case of (no pun) using a lian li case then anywhere really lol or alternaticvelly the bottom of a radiator as this will ensure you are earthed at all times
 
Also avoid touching chips or pins directly if possible. Hold the CPU by it's edges when placing in the socket, hold cards by their backplate or the edge (not the connector), Do not touch the connectors on the RAM sticks etc etc etc.
 
All I ever do is touch a radiator and get down and dirty. Usually build on my bed or desk. No problems.
 
No magnetic screwdrivers

Never use excessive force, if its meant to fit it will fit lol

When spreading thermal paste dont use your bare fingers

Make sure you install the motherboard standoffs in the correct places, check, double check, and check again

Take eyour time and don't rush, this is where things go wrong

And a common mistake, dont forget to plug in the 12v cable to the motherboard lol
 
Has anybody ever damaged a component in a way that can be traced back to static? I haven't, and the extent of my anti-static precautions is leaving the PSU plugged in.
 
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