Static-free wristbands??

[cluelessnewbie]

I saw these on Bzboyz.com and it said that these are a "must" for building computer?

also, it said that static is the #1 killer of PC hardware and that with the wristband, i could prevent it. Should I get this since I'm goign to build my comp soon or is this useless??

[flea]

Well, most of the work done on my pc was without a wristband, all components survived,. and it wasnt even earthed through the power cord. For safety, esp if you have expensive components i'd get a wrist band, they dont cost much. If you dont have a wristband keep your bare skin toutching the case at all times, or as much as is practical. Perhaps lean an arm on the case, waering a t-shirt or somethings. Store components in anti static bags if possible. Leave the pc plugged in but switched off. Toutch cricuit boards at the edges.

Good luck

Lol, syncronised posting http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

[This message has been edited by flea (edited 06-13-2001).]

[GroundZero3]

Most places and books recommend you to use this item. When I was taught to use a pc I always just touch the power supply to discharge the static in my body. I never really had a problem with static and I feel the bands are a burden. I think best buy and comp usa the technicians are required to wear those just in case. Not sure tho. Just don't work on your computer in a area that has carpet and use a wooden bench if possible.

Jason

[MiKe85]

I think I should get one of these wristbands. Only because i'm fairly clumsy, and would just plain out forget to touch my power supply http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

Although, whenever i work with my computer, it's survived. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[Graham]

Some are very cheap, you could even make your own, and it might save a lot of grief.
My company insist we use them, the thinking is, aparently, that damage is done that shortens the life of components, rather than killing them immediately.
A simple strap can be made from....
some sort of conductive wristband connected via a 4M ohm (4 meg ohm) resistor to earth (mains socket).

MAKE SURE YOU USE THE EARTH PIN !!!! AND THE RESISTOR !!!!


G

***** edit, still need a new set of fingers *****

[This message has been edited by Graham (edited 06-13-2001).]

[Goldwingnut]

Here's the story:

Anytime two non-conducting materials slide past each other, electrons from one attach to the other and create an electrical charge. Which is why there is lightning in the discharge of an erupting volcano. Flying ash and lava whizzing past each other.

Ever pick up a piece of plastic that would cling to you, or itself, or other plastic? Ever unrolled Scotch tape, had it curl back and attach to your hand or itself? That's static cling.

Ever unrolled Scotch tape very fast in a dark room, saw the blue sparks?

Handling a styrofoam coffee cup will build a charge of about 8,000 volts. A 50% polyester T-shirt will develop a charge big enough to zap your components, if the fabric of the chair you are sitting on is plastic or has high plastic content.

Definitely get and use the band. What it is, is a conductive wristband and a resistive wire - about 50 K - that bleeds off the static charge but doesn't make your body a low-resistance path to ground for AC power.

When working on electronic components, wear natural fabrics (wool, cotton ), leather boots or shoes with non-conductive soles, no polyester or acrylics.

Wood chairs are preferred. Keep styrofoam and plastic out of the work area.

You can make a band by soldering a 25K or higher resistor onto a wire, grounding one end, and wedging the other end in a gap of your steel watchband.

You can make a device to safely ground your computer by making a power cord with only the ground lead connected at the outlet end. Make sure your outlet is wired correctly first - if Friendly Freddy Fixit has been in there making things better, it may be wrong.

[This message has been edited by Goldwingnut (edited 06-13-2001).]

[radbasa]

No problems with static where I live whatever I do. Even the carpet in socks shuffle won't work. The humidity's too high for static electricity to build up.

[DVNT1]

From what I read and have been taught I agree totally about the main problem of the static discharge: the shortening of the life of the components.