How do I avoid ESD? PLEASE HELP!

Marktehbuilder

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Mar 25, 2015
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I'm gonna build a PC first time and I've been reading about ESD and that you need to ground yourself. I'm getting really frustrated because no one is describing it coherently. Some people say you really shouldn't build it on carpet. Others say it's not a big deal and you shouldn't worry. In one tutorial, one guy just touches the case periodically. In another video, a guy plugs his power supply in and touches that. Another guy plugs a bare metal screw in his power supply and attaches his wristband to it. Another website says you should insert a bare metal paper clip in the connector and attach the wrist band to that. it's confusing the fuck out of me. What is the best way to do it?

I have an anti static wristband and I'm getting my parts shipped. I want to know what is the best way to ground myself.

-Should I just touch my case frequently? If so, is it okay if it is painted? Cus mine is.

-Should I plug the power supply into the wall and turn it off and attach the wristband to it?

-Is it okay if I build my PC on a table barefoot on carpet? Because I don't have a table in my kitchen and it would be a pain in the ass to lug my desk back and fourth.

Some one PLEASE help because the more articles and tutorials I read, I get more questions than answers.
 
Solution
Anti static band properly attached per manufacturers instructions is fine. Don't build on static surfaces or static will be generated.

I built mine on a table without any protection and nothing happened. You'd have to be very unlucky to experience ESD on any components.
 


Hi - Mattios and yourself pretty much answered this already. If you plug in your PSU and turn the
power switch off, connect the clip of the wrist band to any metal part of the case (not the PSU).

You are far more likely to damage components by dropping them while unpacking than you are
by ESD.
 
Solution


why do you have to plug in the power supply if you don't attach the wristband to it? you just put it in the case? also can you build it in a carpet room? cus my kitchen doesn't have a table.
 


Yes, the case is fine if the PSU is plugged into the wall (& turned off).