How do I ground myself to prevent static away from my computer?

HOW DO I GROUND MYSELF TO PREVENT STATIC ELECTRICITY FROM RUINING MY PC ?

This question was answered on April 12, 2000. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) is not our friend There are a few measures one can implement to help prevent the effects of ESD One sure way is to use an anti-static wrist strap also called an ESD strap The ESD strap works by attaching one end to an earth ground (where the ground pin on your extension cord plugs in the wall) and the other end is wrapped around your wrist This strap grounds your body and keeps it at a zero charge

The only circumstance under which you would NOT want to use an ESD strap is while working on your monitor The ESD strap can actually increase the likelihood of you getting a lethal shock if worn while working inside a monitor Also you want to make sure you buy an actual ESD strap (one that uses a 1-megaohm resistor to bleed the charge away slowly) Just wrapping a wire around your wrist will not work correctly and could electrocute you!

The other much easier way is to make sure you discharge yourself on a metal object before you touch your computer Any old door handle, metal chair or friend will do This method is not as permanent as the ESD strap, but much easier to implement.

Respectfully Submitted,

Matthew Howard

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Posted by Matthew of University of Advancing Computer Technology on April 12, 2000

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