turning on a motherboard while its on anti-static plasitc

[habibrobert]

Hi everyone. I wanted to see if it would be alright to test a motherboard while it is resting on an anti-static plastic bag (the same kind of bag boards are stored in)?

I know you need to prevent the solder joints and traces from making contact with metal surfaces. Is the same thing true when talking about anti-static paper? It would be nice if you could do this if you are in a hurry to test something.

Thanks!

 

[dudio]

I'd use cardboard before I'd use plastic

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

+1 - Cardboard always.

 

[Samat]

You should be safe to do so, just make sure you don't have any objects (like screws) under the motherboard! I've tested a few like that or on top of a cardboard box. Just put it somewhere where noone accidentally steps on it...

 

[Chicano]

I don't think antistatic bags are OK... read somewhere they have anti-static inside and conductive outside... cardboard or wood are the way to go. Check the thread for tips and links to ESD damage prevention.

http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-3270966/misplaced-anti-static-wrist-strap-standing-carpet-build-viable.html

 

[Dustybin]

I think the link below has some useful discussion in, basically the type and quality of the bag will have a big impact on if this is a good idea.

http://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/5990/do-antistatic-bags-have-conductive-interior-exterior-or-both

At one placed I worked we had a test bed running on an antistatic bag for two years, it never had any problems despite probably suffering more abuse than a budget motherboard deserves. Personally as others have suggested when building my own PC I use the motherboard box or similar.

 

[SexySally]

Depending on the type of bag, either the plastic has a conductive agent mixed into it, or the conductive layer is applied to th surface of the bag (usually inside!)

That said, it isn't a good idea to run the motherboard on its bag because of either static buildup or conduction across the board. Some parts only run at 1-ish volts, so operation could easily be compromised. It's best to either fit it's standoffs, or run it on a folded newspaper. Do remember to earth yourself to the ground point of the motherboard etc before handling sensitive items like RAM or the CPU. A couple of seconds work can save the tears before bedtime.