Static!!

[Zigg]

Hi guys,
I just started building my first PC a couple weeks ago, and I'm in a little bit of a worry stage as of now. I put some of it together, and then looked around on the internet for how to hook up IDE drives, floppy drives, etc. When I came across something about "grounding" yourself before working on parts. I did no such thing. I worked in a few places, I worked on a table, with linoleum flooring, I stood on the carpet holding the motherboard, also, I layed the case on my bed, with the parts in it (none of them actually touching the bed) and worked on it. Just wondering if there is a high chance that I could have damaged something in the process. Thanks

 

[ekÆsine]

i wouldn't say high chance, maybe a small chance. next time install power supply into case, plug the power cord into the power supply, hold case with a hand, unplug cord, leave your one hand or elbow on case while working on computer. you can also use a static wriststrap

 

[Zigg]

erm, thanks, I'm still a little nervous about it though. I didn't really touch the parts, I held it more along the edges, except for a few times a touched a few peices, but I was on the linoleum again. I think I might just get a static gaurd, to ward off this problem again, thanks

 

[dbernie41]

Well i just opened up a computer to look at it. I was laying on carpet but I would touch different metal objects every once in a while. I took out my hard drive, ram, and video card and when I put it back in my computer wouldnt boot up so maybe there is a chance that both you and I messed up a part or two

 

[Zigg]

erm, im pretty sure mine is fine, looks like it works so far, I could have started a degrading process on it though. oh well

 

[Meck]

Look you don't really need one of those bands, just touch the radiator and it will have the same effect.

 

[preet2u]

The easiest way to ground ur self would be ...is to grab the systemcase .. this is normally more than sufficient

 

[True_Orb]

I link two of my metal necklaces and wrap my writs around them, and wrap the other end around a part of the case. Cheap n' easy

 

[preet2u]

That's a neat trick .... Orb

 

[ekÆsine]

thats dangerous True_Orb, if you happen to leave your power supply plugged in and your necklace contacts a capacitor or whatever else you are toast, receive nasty burns on your wrist, or at least get a nice shock.

preet4u touching the case alone will not ground you. the case itself has to be grounded momentarily. i always plug the power cord in, touch case, unplug cord. an electrician told me if you use a anti-static wristband you have the same problem. if you are the path of least resistance you are a goner