How do you use an antistatic mat and wristband

[stuffandthings]

This is my first time building a pc, so I'm taking any and all precautions possible. How do I use these things? I've heard that you ground yourself by attaching the alligator clip on the wristband to the case, but do you put the psu in? Some people have said you don't, others have said you do but you don't plug it in, and others have said you plug the psu in and install it, but you don't turn it on. What do I do? Also, how do I ground the mat? Do I put the case (with or without the psu) on the mat, or just the components that are actually damaged by esd, like the mobo.

I'm so confused.

Also, sorry if this is in the wrong section.

 

[ksham]

1. Put the mat on the floor. Put your computer components on top of the mat.
2. Clip your wristband onto a metallic object.

You really don't need it though. Just touch a piece of metal with your hand and you'll be fine.

As for the PSU, you should always unplug it before working on your computer.

 

[stuffandthings]

Ok. three questions: do you put in the put the mat face up on white side or the black side. My mat is the Rosewill RTK-ASM Anti-Static Mat. Also, how do you ground the mat? because it comes with an alligator clip as well. Can you use the case with the psu inside (but unplugged) as the metallic object for the band?

I know it's not necessary, but I don't want to take any risks.

 

[ksham]

do you put in the put the mat face up on white side or the black side. My mat is the Rosewill RTK-ASM Anti-Static Mat.

White.

Also, how do you ground the mat?

Just put it on the floor and attach the clip to a metallic object.

because it comes with an alligator clip as well. Can you use the case with the psu inside (but unplugged) as the metallic object for the band?

Yes; but I would not recommend it. The PSU is at a weird angle and it's hard to get the clip on properly. Even if you do, it would be difficult to move or tilt your case with the clip connected to the PSU. I suggest clipping it onto anything else.

 

[ko888]

The mat is suppose to be connected to an earth ground.

Some mats even have an AC plug with only the ground pin connected to the cable from the mat that plugs unto an AC wall outlet.

You can even connect it to a copper water pipe if one is nearby.

 

[stuffandthings]

I think I won't put the empty case on the mat and I'll use the case as the metallic object for both the wristband and the mat.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

http://www.ehow.com/how_7566000_use-antistatic-wristbands-mats.html

Quick Guide ^

 

[stuffandthings]

I watched the "How to Build a PC" guide by EasyPcBuilder. In it he said to plug in the off psu into a off electric power socket extension thing after installing it in the case (I don't know whats its called, but its the thing that turns one power socket into several) and to make sure the power extension thing is plugged into a grounded socket. He then put one of the motherboard mounting standoffs on the psu screw hole so that it touched the psu, and he attached the wrist band to that. Reading your guide, I think I should attach the mat to the standoff (with the case on the mat) , and the wrist band to the mat. I myself will be standing on a tile surface while building.

I realize this is completely overkill, but better safe than sorry.

 

[stuffandthings]

Can someone please tell me if this is a safe method.

 

[rodionzissou]

A detailed rundown by Linus.

http://youtu.be/jQRIzgEVsjI