Is it safe to build on a metal desk?

Noahthomas29

Honorable
Oct 21, 2013
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This will be my first time building a pc, and so I just want to know if building on a metal desk is safe from electrical discharge or other stuff. Plus I would also use the desk as my primary desk for my new computer.
 


If you have grounded electrical outlets, you could run a conductor from the cover screw on the outlet to a metal leg or other portion of the desk. Crimp a ringed wire-terminal on both ends of the conductor and screw it to the outlet cover screw and the table.
 


well there is no carpet in the room i will be building in. i dont actually have the desk yet, me and my father are going back to get a desk, i just dont know if i should get a wood one or a metal one.
 


ok last question. i will be getting a anti static wrist strap, so when i build on the metal desk, where do i clip the wrist strap too? the pc case or the desk?
 


alright, thanks for all the advice!
 


Do not connect the power supply into the wall even if it is turned off, it is highly advised against as the power supply may be faulty and you could get electrocuted (and a lot of electricity is dangerous)!!!
 


There is always a chance that the wall socket is faulty as well. He should be fine, but I was just warning him.
 


Like I have already said, I was just warning him.
 
if you're that worried, get an electrician's socket tester and check them all. or better still, stay in bed with a nice cup of tea (not too hot).
life is fleetingly short, and i'm not going to spend mine worrying about 'what if...'
 
Basically, all computer cases are grounded. So as long as you touch the case before touching the cpu (Like, an oooh what's that? moment) you'll be fine.
I've never had static discharge from me affecting computer parts, but I usually give the computer cases a fairly good rubdown before going inside them.
Static electricity has a lot to do with the actual air/moisture in the environment, if it's very hot/dry air where you live, there is more static electricity in the air. If it's more humid there is less.
Don't go running around a carpet in your socks and you should be fine.
 


This should be clarified that this applies with AC (alternating current). With DC (direct current) upwards of 300 mA is required. While we have AC here in the US, it is my understanding that most of Europe uses DC as it is safer.

One of the problems with AC is that it causes tetany in the muscles, and it can be near impossible to let go of it once the muscles start contracting.