How To Ground Yourself

[mrjetguy]

I am new to building computers and I need to know exactly how to ground my self. I bought one of those anti-static wrists straps, however it didn't have clear instuctions. What exactly should I attach the strap to? Just to a piece of metal in the case or to something different...

Thank you

[VHockey86]

Ideally to have the best ground possible you want to attach it to a non-painted metal that is connected to the ground... however something metal in your house (unpainted) should do the job. Even an unpainted spot on the computer case should be ok, so as there arent any componets directly setting on it.

[thekingofpain]

Easy way is you could connect it (the alligatorclip on your strap) to your powersupply if its plugged into a grounded receptical...

[Telexen]

I just make sure I always touch a metal area that's grounded, whether it's the PSU (if it's plugged in) or maybe a light hanging above me, a screw on a light switch plate, etc. before I touch anything. Not working on carpet helps

[nukes]

I just leave the system plugged in, and touch the PSU or case before I start work.
Sometimes I forget, but I've never had anything die on me. In my old workshop, we had copper pipes rigged up above the worksurfaces, with ground pins attached, and they were wired to a steak stuck into the earth at the back of the shop.

Not working on carpet helps

Very true, if possible use a room with stone or lino tiles on the floor. You can get anti-static floor surfaces, but unless you're doing well out of your business, or handle lots of expensive kit then its not really worth investing in it.

[mrjetguy]

Thank you for all of the very helpful responses! I'm happy I asked now

[Kc2iLq]

Thank you for all of the very helpful responses! I'm happy I asked now

Don't be too happy, as none of those answers were correct. Everyone who posted here (for the most part) seems to think that the object you touch needs to have an earth-ground. This is not the case however. The computer should NEVER be plugged in when you work on it, and being "grounded" just means that your body should have an equal electrical charge as the computer. Simply clip the wrist strap onto any unfinished part of the case (bare metal) after the PSU is UNPLUGGED from the AC line.

-Kc2iLq

[Telexen]

Originally posted by Kc2iLq


Don't be too happy, as none of those answers were correct. Everyone who posted here (for the most part) seems to think that the object you touch needs to have an earth-ground. This is not the case however. The computer should NEVER be plugged in when you work on it, and being "grounded" just means that your body should have an equal electrical charge as the computer. Simply clip the wrist strap onto any unfinished part of the case (bare metal) after the PSU is UNPLUGGED from the AC line.

-Kc2iLq

Read up on the differences between AT and ATX standards, THEN post your commonts - as your comments only apply to the AT standard cases/PSUs. ATX is GROUNDED when plugged in. The only disadvantages of leaving an ATX system plugged are 1. if you drop a screw in the wrong spot on a circuit, you can fry it...2. you may accidently turn the system on when you don't want to.

[tgxiii]

Someone needs to work out all the confusion. I have heard a lot of things about grounding yourself and a lot of them contradict each other. I heard NEVER to leave the computer unplugged when working with it, but some people say to leave it plugged to ground yourself. I've also heard that attaching the wrist strap to the ground prong of the power supply is the correct way of grounding yourself. Does anyone know the real answers and could provide a better reason other than "I heard"? I would like to know myself.

[Kc2iLq]

Originally posted by Telexen
Read up on the differences between AT and ATX standards, THEN post your commonts - as your comments only apply to the AT standard cases/PSUs. ATX is GROUNDED when plugged in. The only disadvantages of leaving an ATX system plugged are 1. if you drop a screw in the wrong spot on a circuit, you can fry it...2. you may accidently turn the system on when you don't want to.

I'm sorry that there is so much misinformation about computers and electronics on the 'net, but you are not the only one who has been misinformed. AT, as well as ATX cases are both earth-grounded when plugged in, and only when they are plugged in. Unfortunately, you do not want to be earth-grounded (maybe YOU do, but the rest of us don't) when tinkering inside of your computer.

-Kc2iLq