Static mat, wristband, or both?

[comanzo]

Hello guys. So I am very paranoid about static electricity when it comes to opening up my pc's case, so I decided to invest in protection against static damage. I live in Florida, so since it's humid and not so dry, static isn't as much of a problem. However, my room's floor is carpet. I could always go somewhere else inside the house that has wood or marble and avoid carpet. However, I have always been paranoid with ESD, and could potentially stay inside my carpet room if the wristband is effective enough.It's just less of a hassle if I can stay inside of my room instead of having to go down stairs carrying a pc, just to be on wooden/marble floors. So the goal is for the item to counter carpet effectively.

So the question is, for pc building, should I go wristband or mat? Do I need both for my carpet room, or is one effective enough to counter carpet? Thanks for the help in advance.

 

[getochkn]

Well in 25 years of working on PC's, I have never used a wristband, mat or anything. I live in Canada and have worked on PC's in 100F 90% humidity days with no effect, so I dunno who the people are who fry their stuff all the time but 1000's of PC later, I'm not one of them.

 

[comanzo]

Well in 25 years of working on PC's, I have never used a wristband, mat or anything. I live in Canada and have worked on PC's in 100F 90% humidity days with no effect, so I dunno who the people are who fry their stuff all the time but 1000's of PC later, I'm not one of them.

I heard that there was the chance of long-term damage as well. You haven't noticed any unusual/unexpected errors that occurred later on right? Supposedly long-term damage occurs if the voltage isn't high enough to fry it instantly, but still higher than the threshold of the component to cause long-term damage. Have you had any issues with that? Also, do you think if I wear shoes, I should be fine working on carpet floor? Appreciate the quick reply.

 

[DeadlyDays]

I think only a few things you actually have to do to be pretty safe.
Try to handle the components by the edges away from the circuitry
every once and a while ground yourself to the computer case by touching bare metal in the case to get rid of the static charge
don't drop the item onto the carpet.

Static mat would help with drops
wristband just keeps a continuous connection to the case ground, unless you are shuffling your feet you likely aren't building up a static charge fast enough.

my 2008 computer I ran 24/7 until 2013 when I got a new one, I run that 24/7 it still runs and have not replaced any components, only added for both of them. My FreeNAS server I put together a few months ago, I assembled in a room with a carpet floor, it's still running without errors.

paranoia is normal for handling parts that may cost 500$ a piece or more(I know I get nervous), but realize it is paranoia, you don't really have to be that careful. But if it make you feel better than that comfort may be worth 30$

 

[JackNaylorPE]

I also built for 20+ years without a mod mat or wrist band ... yes, take off your shoes and touch the case (with PSU installed, plugged in and off). I found a wrist strap just got in the way all the time. I actually bought a mod mat for the information it had printed thereon, so as to have a waterproof base and eliminate components from getting stuck on table cloths.

However, when doing water cooling builds especially, there's a lot of case moving and turning and I don't like having the PSU plugged in or even installed. With the mod mat, we attach one clip from case ( I put in a temporary extra case standoff) to mat and the other clip from mat to ankle. Unlike with a wrist strap, you don't stick your ankle inside the PC so it doesn't get hooked on anything .... and now my feet don't get cold .

BTW, Hot humid days are of no concern ... it's the cold, dry days ya gotta worry about. That's why heating systems have humidifiers.

Peeps who don't work in an environment that results in static being an issue will have a false sense of security about potential dangers. If you walk around your house or office and never get a shock touching a handrail or doorknob, then you are at little risk. If you have experienced such shocks, you have more reason to be concerned.

Static electricity is caused by your body picking up free electrons as you walk on the rugs. When you have extra electrons on your body and you touch a metal conductor, such as a door handle, the electrons flow into the object and you get a tiny shock.

During the summer, the humidity in the air helps electrons flow off your body, so you don't build up a charge. The air is drier in the winter, no matter what type of heating system you have, allowing a larger charge to build. Humidity will certainly help reduce static electricity, so installing a whole-house humidifier is one option.

So three ways to go .....

a) My location is static free and I have no worries

b) My location is subject to static buildup and I will take the necessary precautions (outlined above)

c) My location is subject to static buildup and I will use a mod mat and ankle strap and not worry about anything

 

[comanzo]

I also built for 20+ years without a mod mat or wrist band ... yes, take off your shoes and touch the case (with PSU installed, plugged in and off). I found a wrist strap just got in the way all the time. I actually bought a mod mat for the information it had printed thereon, so as to have a waterproof base and eliminate components from getting stuck on table cloths.

However, when doing water cooling builds especially, there's a lot of case moving and turning and I don't like having the PSU plugged in or even installed. With the mod mat, we attach one clip from case ( I put in a temporary extra case standoff) to mat and the other clip from mat to ankle. Unlike with a wrist strap, you don't stick your ankle inside the PC so it doesn't get hooked on anything .... and now my feet don't get cold .

BTW, Hot humid days are of no concern ... it's the cold, dry days ya gotta worry about. That's why heating systems have humidifiers.

Peeps who don't work in an environment that results in static being an issue will have a false sense of security about potential dangers. If you walk around your house or office and never get a shock touching a handrail or doorknob, then you are at little risk. If you have experienced such shocks, you have more reason to be concerned.

Static electricity is caused by your body picking up free electrons as you walk on the rugs. When you have extra electrons on your body and you touch a metal conductor, such as a door handle, the electrons flow into the object and you get a tiny shock.

During the summer, the humidity in the air helps electrons flow off your body, so you don't build up a charge. The air is drier in the winter, no matter what type of heating system you have, allowing a larger charge to build. Humidity will certainly help reduce static electricity, so installing a whole-house humidifier is one option.

So three ways to go .....

a) My location is static free and I have no worries

b) My location is subject to static buildup and I will take the necessary precautions (outlined above)

c) My location is subject to static buildup and I will use a mod mat and ankle strap and not worry about anything

I researched on this topic to find that humans don't experience shocks from static until 3,000 volts, while some components can get damaged after getting more than 10 volts. Meaning that just because you haven't experienced many shocks within your room, doesn't mean you're free from damaging your parts somewhat. Although from what others on this forum had to say, it doesn't seem as big of a concern as I originally thought. I guess taking necessary precautions should do the trick then. Thanks for the help.

 

[DeadlyDays]

im sure if you stuck your finger were it don't belong you'd be at risk of frying something, but I think a lot of those area's where are that sensitive are not exposed or in a location where you are not supposed to be handling the component. Like don't brush your ringer along the contacts on the bottom of a cpu chip, don't take the lid off the cpu and touch the insides, don't take the heatsink off the gpu and brush the insides etc

 

[comanzo]

im sure if you stuck your finger were it don't belong you'd be at risk of frying something, but I think a lot of those area's where are that sensitive are not exposed or in a location where you are not supposed to be handling the component. Like don't brush your ringer along the contacts on the bottom of a cpu chip, don't take the lid off the cpu and touch the insides, don't take the heatsink off the gpu and brush the insides etc

Ok. One last question about the mat/wristband, and this is in case I change my mind and get one of these to be on the safe side. So you said the mat was meant for putting items there so that the surface doesn't damage the component. Does it also kind of work like touching the case/psu in the sense that it grounds you if you touch the mat? Or is it only meant for putting items there?

 

[DeadlyDays]

from what I understand anti-static mats are made of a material that doesn't/less likely to generate static electricity. I don't think they provide any grounding. It is there because if you / thing are one it, the mat won't be generating a static charge.

So basically think a rubber mat

The main thing is grounding yourself occasionally so you don't build enough charge to damage the things that are exposed.

I'm not an electrician though and I've never looked at using a antistatic mat

 

[comanzo]

from what I understand anti-static mats are made of a material that doesn't/less likely to generate static electricity. I don't think they provide any grounding. It is there because if you / thing are one it, the mat won't be generating a static charge.

So basically think a rubber mat

The main thing is grounding yourself occasionally so you don't build enough charge to damage the things that are exposed.

I'm not an electrician though and I've never looked at using a antistatic mat

I heard the same about the mat too, so I don't think your wrong. Just wanted confirmation. Thanks for the help.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Ok. One last question about the mat/wristband, and this is in case I change my mind and get one of these to be on the safe side. So you said the mat was meant for putting items there so that the surface doesn't damage the component. Does it also kind of work like touching the case/psu in the sense that it grounds you if you touch the mat? Or is it only meant for putting items there?

Exactly... see my previous post. The mat is designed so as connection points are conductive and grounds you to the mat ... the mat grounds you to the case

Remember that "bone is connected to" song ?

The ankle's connected to the ankle (wrist) band
The wrist band's connected to the MoD Mat
The mod mat's connected to the PC case
The PC case's connected to all the things in it

Because everything is connected to everything else, no differential electric charge can build. See the 2 minute mark

https://youtu.be/kUtDvUvdDh0

 

[TJ Hooker]

from what I understand anti-static mats are made of a material that doesn't/less likely to generate static electricity. I don't think they provide any grounding. It is there because if you / thing are one it, the mat won't be generating a static charge.

So basically think a rubber mat

No. A proper anti-static mat (AKA static dissipative mat) will be grounded, and will be made of a material with a moderate resistance, low enough to allow static charge to dissipate but high enough to prevent rapid discharge. A rubber mat would accomplish pretty much the opposite of an anti-static mat.

Edit: Hmm, the anti-static mat in the video JackNaylorPE linked is apparently made of rubber, which doesn't make any sense to me. Maybe there are types of rubber that aren't as electrically resistant as I thought.
/Edit

To answer the question, yes you can ground yourself by touching the mat. Make solid contact with the mat (e.g. place your whole hand flat on the mat) for a second or two to ground yourself.

 

[comanzo]

from what I understand anti-static mats are made of a material that doesn't/less likely to generate static electricity. I don't think they provide any grounding. It is there because if you / thing are one it, the mat won't be generating a static charge.

So basically think a rubber mat

No. A proper anti-static mat (AKA static dissipative mat) will be grounded, and will be made of a material with a moderate resistance, low enough to allow static charge to dissipate but high enough to prevent rapid discharge. A rubber mat would accomplish pretty much the opposite of an anti-static mat.

To answer the question, yes you can ground yourself by touching the mat. Make solid contact with the mat (e.g. place your whole hand flat on the mat) for a second or two to ground yourself.

Alright. Thanks for the info. I guess if later on I change my mind and decide to get something to prevent static, mat would be best since items can be placed there, and you can ground yourself, while the wristband only grounds yourself. So it does both things in the same item, which is why it's better than wristband.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

The mat still has to be grounded to something....

You to Mat (ankle or wrist strap)
Mat to PC (See the video ... I install a MoBo standoff (highly conductive) screwed in to one of the extra MoBo tray holes to insure good contact

 

[Karadjgne]

I just used a large sheet of thick cardboard to build on. When I clean my pc, I sit on a carpeted floor in my shorts and have one hand on the frame. Not really room for 2 hands inside a pc. I've been tinkering, modifying, building, fixing pc's for over 35 years. Long before ESD was even considered an issue. Which it really isn't. In that time I've lost 0 components to static. And I lived in Florida for over 22 years. Relax. Paranoia will only do one thing. Make your hands shake.

 

[getochkn]

I just used a large sheet of thick cardboard to build on. When I clean my pc, I sit on a carpeted floor in my shorts and have one hand on the frame. Not really room for 2 hands inside a pc. I've been tinkering, modifying, building, fixing pc's for over 35 years. Long before ESD was even considered an issue. Which it really isn't. In that time I've lost 0 components to static. And I lived in Florida for over 22 years. Relax. Paranoia will only do one thing. Make your hands shake.

Exactly, I've build PC's on the carpet in the cold canadian winters then with higher statics, whatever, we get extreme temps up here all year around so whatever is bad for it, we get it 4-6 months a year anyways. lol.

 

[turkey3_scratch]

I build PCs on my bed spread. The power cord of the PC I am working on cannot quite reach the wall, so I use a separate computer to ground myself. By grounding myself to a separate computer (wrist strap) and then touching the case of the computer I am working on, it still puts you on the same potential with the case/computer you are working on (at least I think). If I am wrong, somebody correct me.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

I just used a large sheet of thick cardboard to build on. When I clean my pc, I sit on a carpeted floor in my shorts and have one hand on the frame. Not really room for 2 hands inside a pc. I've been tinkering, modifying, building, fixing pc's for over 35 years. Long before ESD was even considered an issue. Which it really isn't. In that time I've lost 0 components to static. And I lived in Florida for over 22 years. Relax. Paranoia will only do one thing. Make your hands shake.

That's kinda like saying that you don't worry about mosquito repellent within the artic circle Mosquito's aren't a problem within the artic circle and Florida is a H U G E advantage. And static isn't a problem in warm / hot, humid weather. It's primarily a dry / cold weather problem. Up here in NY, we install humidifiers in houses for use during the winter heating season to control static

https://www.reference.com/science/eliminate-static-electricity-house-32694a716d7efc54?qo=cdpArticles#

The purpose of a humidifier is to increase the moisture content of the air in the room or home. Humidifiers are often used in the winter in homes and buildings where heating systems are in heavy use.

Static electricity is the buildup of electric charge on the surface of objects, and the shock comes from the transfer of that buildup from a charged surface, such as a human hand, to a conductor, such as a metal doorknob. Whole-home humidifiers or room humidifiers add moisture to the air, reducing the amount of static buildup. They may be expensive, so a less-expensive option is to boil water on the stove or to add houseplants, both of which add moisture to the air.

A big contributor to static buildup is the friction between dry skin and clothing, so moisturizing skin may reduce the friction that generates static electricity. Attention to clothing choices also reduces shocks. For example, rubber-soled shoes are an insulator that allows a large amount of static charge to build up as one walks, so wearing leather-soled shoes or cotton socks helps reduce the charge.

Grounding oneself also reduces the power of a static shock. Discharge static buildup harmlessly by touching wood, or another nonconducting object, before touching metal or another electrical conductor.

.

Again, the problem can be addressed in numerous ways ....

1. Build in a warm / moist climate or environment where "heating systems aren't in continuous heavy use"

2. Use a humidifier during heating season or if in dry climates

3. Wear proper clothing, grounding yaself before touching sensitive components.

4. Use a mat / strap

All work.

 

[Karadjgne]

Rofl.

 

[comanzo]

Thanks guys for all your replies. So I won't be getting either item since some of you have been to cold/dry places where it's really a problem, and still nothing bad happened. Since it's hot/humid which actually helps resist it, I should be fine. I just gotta remember to ground myself occasionally. Appreciate the help.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Nothing bad happened to me because I consciously paid attention and tool the necessary precautions. And it's not bad doing a single build which ya knock off in 40 minutes. But it took weeks to do my last build with the, case mods, rigid acrylic tubing and some 40+ WC fittings ... without the mat, would have added a significant amount of time. Also when you do several builds in a day, then it also makes things go faster.

I should also note, I have had a lot of boxes brought in where users have done any number of things wring, including and SSD that I gave away in working order and came back dead 90 minutes later.... wasn't there so do not know what happened, tho user said he saw a blue spark.

But again, as I said, I bought the mat for other reasons ... waterproof base, printed info, cushioned work surface and not to mention/// no ore scratches on my work bench top ... or what my wife likes to call "her dining room table". Other war stories include peeps who got parts stuck in the lace like patterns of a table cloth ... one had a mobo yanked out of their hands when something hooked on a tablecloth and it dropped to the floor. Another broke the GPU latch off after the hoop caught in a loop. About 2 years later he forgot about it and when upgrading his GFX card would up yanking the PCI slot right outta the MoBo.

Like anything else, there is no "best way" for every situation. Like installing roofing shingles.... If ya doing a dog house, a handy ball peen hammer will do ... doing a decent sized home, it's worth investing in a very good hammer ... going several a year, then an air nailer is the logical option. If ya doing just one build every 3 years or so, dress properly, cotton socks, short sleeves, clean work surface and paytng attention will do ya fine.

 

[Karadjgne]

Hmm, yes, wearing cotton is preferable, stay away from rayon, nylon derivatives etc. Cotton T, jeans, cotton socks and you'll be good. Unbox everything first, want to distance yourself from the polystyrene etc