Curse

Braxton619 · May 27, 2010, 05:06 PM // 17:06

Ok guys I have to clean out the heatsink and CPU in my computer due
to high temps, how do I ground myself so I can prevent
ESD? I bought a antistatic wrist strap but
I don't know what to attach it to. There is no
switch on the back of my computer.

I'm so confused about grounding myself. I heard you must have a
"grounding cable" to connect to your computer to ground it. I just don't want to fry something. Thanks so much!

xMinimalism · May 27, 2010, 08:03 PM // 20:03

ESD is over-hyped.

As per your other thread.

Quote:

Originally Posted by xMinimalism

Assuming your case is metal like mine is, rub the side of it with both hands, and then take the side cover off. If you do not do this, you run the risk of ruining your RAM and Processor extremely easily, as well as other components.

If you DON'T have a metal case...well, go get one. I don't see how or why someone wouldn't.

I cleaned my entire computer('s hardware) out not too long ago. I unplugged everything, brought it to a well-lit room, rubbed the side of the case, and all was fine after I was done. If you want to get into the 'teeth' of the heatsink, just use something simple like a toothpick. As long as you don't break it off (and leave it) in the 'teeth', there's no harm.

For your Antistatic Wrist Strap, from Wiki:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wikipedia

They are usually used in conjunction with an antistatic mat on the workbench, or a special static-dissipating plastic laminate on the workbench surface.

If you really want to get grounded, go tell your parent(s) to bugger off in a harsh way... Har-har, I'm so funny.

Quaker · May 27, 2010, 08:20 PM // 20:20

Yes, ESD is over hyped. You really only need a wrist strap if you are doing a lot of work at your workbench (like a guy at a repair center) and you are moving about, or whatever, that may build up a static charge. Also, the wrist strap needs to be grounded at all times to be effective.

In your case, you can do without the wrist strap, but if you want to use it, you can connect it to the metal case of the computer IF the power cord is still connected and plugged into a proper 3-wire grounded outlet or if you can clip it to a metal water pipe or something else that's grounded.

However, to be on the safe side you don't actually want the power cord to be plugged in while you're cleaning the computer - not because of any shock hazard, but just because there is power on parts of the computer even when it is OFF and you don't want to short circuit anything.

So, here's what to do. Remove the side panel of the computer while the power cable is still plugged in. Touch any part of the metal case to ground yourself and discharge any static buildup. In normal household circumstances, you wouldn't buildup any static charge while working on the computer unless you get up and walk around on a carpeted floor while doing it - so the one discharge will be fine.
Then unplug the power cable and clean away.

Micro215 · May 28, 2010, 12:17 AM // 00:17

The very bottom plug in an outlet is ground, the round one XD. If you have a round plug you can just do that. Not a bad precaution to take because despite the above posts, you can produce a static discharge even though you may not feel it. The ones you feel are very high in voltage in terms of what can screw up a transistor.

Chthon · May 28, 2010, 01:41 AM // 01:41

Touch a doorknob.

Tomkatt · Jun 01, 2010, 04:07 PM // 16:07

Just touch the metal of the case periodically and don't rub your feet on carpet or anything when working. Ground yourself by touching the casing before handling any components. If you live in a very dry climate or are overly concerned, run a humidifier for a bit to lower the chance of Electrostatic Discharge (happens when it's dry, in more humid air, ESD is almost impossible).