There are several ways you can ground yourself while building a PC. Among them, the most popular is working with an antistatic wrist band & using an ESD mat are popular methods.
How to Ground Yourself When Building a PC (Step-By-Step Process)
So let’s get right to the point. Here are some ways you can keep yourself grounded while building a PC.
Turn Your PC off While Working
You don’t need to plug in your computer while you are working inside it. That’s just common sense. If you plug in your computer & try to install the parts, then you will be greeted with a good amount of shock.
It’s always good to unplug your computer when you are working with the parts so that you don’t accidentally electrocute yourself.
Using Your Computers Case to Ground Yourself
The most common technique PC builders use is placing your hand on the bare metal body of the computer case. If you do so before installing anything, then you are transferring your electrons to your PC. But this won’t properly ground you, it would just make sure you have the same charge as the computer.
But nowadays PC casings are made of plastic or glass, so you might not find bare metal on them. This technique might not be fully fruitful, but it can help in any emergency.
Using an Antistatic Wrist Wrap
If you are really concerned about grounding yourself, then you can buy an anti-static wristband. They can be found anywhere online very cheaply. You’ll have to wear these bands against your wrist & the other end is a crocodile clip. It is clipped with a bare metal part of your computer.
But often modern computers don’t have bare metal parts on casings. In such scenarios, you can use a laptop charger that has a 3-pin end with the ground. You can clip the crocodile clip ends with the end of the laptop charger. The end of the laptop charger is grounded.
Using an ESD Mat
Using a “conductive” or “dissipative” rated ESD (Electrostatic Sensitive Device) mat can work wonders for you. ESD Mats are generally used to protect electronic circuit boards as well as other electronic equipment from electrostatic charge damage.
You can work on top of the ESD mat. Some models have a place to clip your anti-static wristband.
Where do I Fasten my Wrist Strap?
You can stick your wrist strap anywhere that has bare metal on your computer. Make sure the metal is not painted or something. It should be bare metal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I worry about static electricity while building a PC?
When you are building your PC, you have to check the power supply to ensure that your PC starts. At that time it is highly important to consider the effect of static electricity. Before removing the side panels, you should make sure that there is no static. Otherwise, it can cause damage to the internal components.
How can I ground myself to prevent static shock?
For your information, you can intentionally discharge yourself by carrying any metal object with you and then touching it to any other metal at your place. This way if any additional electrons remain in your body, they will be delivered away through the metal, and also prevent a shock by diminishing the jumping effect.
Should I use my PC without earthing?
It will not be a good decision if you are up to using your PC without any earthing. If you don’t do any protective arrangements such as earthing for your PC, if somehow any electricity overflow occurs, your monitor will show glitching and in the worst case, may even explode. Moreover, having a magnet inside, the speakers will also get damaged.
Conclusion
It’s always important to keep yourself safe from any sort of harm. The same goes for your hard precious PC components. Making sure you have grounded yourself comes with no extra cost. So make sure you do so properly.
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