Anti-Static Band Q's

[turkey3_scratch]

I just have 2 really quick and simple questions about antistatic wrist straps.

1) I recall reading that you need to wear it about 15 minutes before doing stuff to discharge all static. Is this true?
2) The computer doesn't have to be plugged in when snapping it to the case, correct?

 

[kanewolf]

#1 -- FALSE. The band discharges the static the moment it is connected to grounded metal. It must be touching skin to be effective. Putting it on OVER long sleeves is no good.

#2 -- 50/50 .. It would be best for the computer to be connected to the ground wire of the electrical outlet when you connect the wrist strap. You could then unplug the computer from the outlet (while still connected via the wrist strap). You and the PC then have same (may not be zero) static potential.

The other thing that is important in controlling ESD is humidity. If you live in a cold area and have supplemental heat on, the humidity could be VERY low. You want a MINIMUM of 30% relative humidity (40% is better).

 

[turkey3_scratch]

#1 -- FALSE. The band discharges the static the moment it is connected to grounded metal. It must be touching skin to be effective. Putting it on OVER long sleeves is no good.

#2 -- 50/50 .. It would be best for the computer to be connected to the ground wire of the electrical outlet when you connect the wrist strap. You could then unplug the computer from the outlet (while still connected via the wrist strap). You and the PC then have same (may not be zero) static potential.

The other thing that is important in controlling ESD is humidity. If you live in a cold area and have supplemental heat on, the humidity could be VERY low. You want a MINIMUM of 30% relative humidity (40% is better).

Yeah I was just wondering because right now temps are really low outside so I'm guessing humidity is low and static is more likely. I've never had the computer plugged in though when wearing it and it seems to work fine. I guess that is what the 50/50 is for?

 

[kanewolf]

#1 -- FALSE. The band discharges the static the moment it is connected to grounded metal. It must be touching skin to be effective. Putting it on OVER long sleeves is no good.

#2 -- 50/50 .. It would be best for the computer to be connected to the ground wire of the electrical outlet when you connect the wrist strap. You could then unplug the computer from the outlet (while still connected via the wrist strap). You and the PC then have same (may not be zero) static potential.

The other thing that is important in controlling ESD is humidity. If you live in a cold area and have supplemental heat on, the humidity could be VERY low. You want a MINIMUM of 30% relative humidity (40% is better).

Yeah I was just wondering because right now temps are really low outside so I'm guessing humidity is low and static is more likely. I've never had the computer plugged in though when wearing it and it seems to work fine. I guess that is what the 50/50 is for?

Yeah. It isn't ABSOLUTELY necessary. Hence the 50/50 ....