Newbie question: static?

I'm planning to assemble a computer for the first time soon. I've never
handled new parts before, so I'm a bit nervous about static electricity
frying something. I've heard that I should touch an unpainted metal part
of the case, but I'm not sure whether the computer needs to be plugged
in for this to work. Does it?

Also, there's a metal heat vent in the room I plan to be working. Could
I use that for ground? What about a sink faucet?

Leif K-Brooks <> wrote in message news:<QjKvc.394$>...
> I'm planning to assemble a computer for the first time soon. I've never
> handled new parts before, so I'm a bit nervous about static electricity
> frying something. I've heard that I should touch an unpainted metal part
> of the case, but I'm not sure whether the computer needs to be plugged
> in for this to work. Does it?
>
> Also, there's a metal heat vent in the room I plan to be working. Could
> I use that for ground? What about a sink faucet?

Well, I must tell you that static electricity is usually not the main
thing on my mind while I'm working with computers. So, either I am
very lucky, or it is not that big of a deal in my climate and working
conditions.

The only precaution I take is to touch the case before I do anything,
and when picking up a component, don't touch the printed circuit
boards (PCB's). As long as you only touch sheet metal, you should be
OK, because that is all ground anyway. I wouldn't want to go around
running the PCB of a PCI card across the case or anything, but that is
just common sense. I also try to avoid wearing only socks when
working on computers, but I have done it.

I have a friend who is obsessive about wearing his little grounding
strap, and I guess it doesn't hurt anything. I suppose you could
follow the old adage: better safe than sorry.

About having the computer plugged in:
I have heard some say you should leave the computer plugged in with
the power strip turned off, as this will leave only the ground wire
connected. I have also heard that this doesn't matter, and someone
else even saying ground wires all throughout your house do no good
because it is to far the the earth connection point. I guess I don't
really care, I have done computer work both ways.

Maybe I am just one lucky little bugger, or maybe some take to many
precautions,

Aaron

The best way to avoid static electricity is to have the PC plugged into a grounded outlet and leave the powersupply switch turned off. You should use a static strap and connect it to the PC case. These precautions should be taken if the humidity is low and you are working on a carpet. If humidity is high and you are on a tile floor static is not nearly so much of a problem. Don't assume that any bare metal is grounded. A faucet might be connected to a PVC pipe. Many electrical outlet plates are not grounded.

Leif K-Brooks wrote:
>
> I'm planning to assemble a computer for the first time soon. I've never
> handled new parts before, so I'm a bit nervous about static electricity
> frying something. I've heard that I should touch an unpainted metal part
> of the case, but I'm not sure whether the computer needs to be plugged
> in for this to work. Does it?
>
> Also, there's a metal heat vent in the room I plan to be working. Could
> I use that for ground? What about a sink faucet?

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Mike Walsh
West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.A.