Operating on computer hardware

[oalcock]

Hi Guys,

 

Please can people give me advice on how you feel on upgrading hardware or building computers without an anti-static wrist band and I would like some info on the threats of working inside computers without an anti-static wrist band.

 

Also what methods do you use?

Anti-Static mats?

Anti-static wall plugs?

Just the standard bands?

 

Thank You in advance for your time.

[Butters]

Never used one, complete gimmick.

 

Built hundreds of computers over the years and touch wood never had a problem due to static.

[kevbaz]

i make sure the case is grounded by leaving the kettle lead plugged into the psu, but we also have wirefree antistatic bands we use here

[DAckroyd]

Never used one, complete gimmick.

 

Built hundreds of computers over the years and touch wood never had a problem due to static.

 

I thought you were meant to touch metal before starting not wood?

 

haven't used an anti-static strap but I think I would if I was working on somthing very expesive (I didn't use one when peicing together our servers so would have to be something very expesive)

 

I think common sence comes into play with this... ie no making balloon animals before working on a computer

[ninjabeaver]

I think I used one on myt first ever upgrade at home. Loads of balls. Touch a bit of metal on the case and you are good to go.

[mac_shinobi]

I think I used one on myt first ever upgrade at home. Loads of balls. Touch a bit of metal on the case and you are good to go.

 

I normally do this and have the power cable plugged into the psu but not turned on at the wall and also do this in my kitchen ( tiled floor as apposed to carpet )

[FN-GM]

i have never ever used one

[plexer]

I use a plug with 2 leads, one connected to a metal part of the chassis and the other one goes to a wrist band.

 

Ben

[oalcock]

I think he ment "touch wood" as in with him saying that he hasn't any problems yet, he hopes that with him saying this it won't trigger off problems. You're transfering the negativity into wood, which is a strong substance both physically and psychically. You're grounding it basically: like you would a live wire (and this maybe the only releavance into the subject rather than what was being said at the time. Some thick people tap on their head, but I wouldn't refer to my head as a lump of wood. At the time of the ancient druid culture in England, many moons ago. they believed in tree spirits; you would touch or knock on a tree and you woke the spirits and you somehow gained some of their power.

[Dom_]

Never used one, never had a problem...

[oalcock]

Appologies about my stupid answer above about superstitions about touch wood, need to show a complex post on a forum for my course that I am doing.

[Dom_]

I'd run a spell check on it if you're going to submit it

[oalcock]

Thank you for your kind advice, luckily I don't get marked on spelling :-) :-)

[kevbaz]

dont panic!!!

 

i found your missing bracket

 

 

)

 

 

there you go

[ICT_GUY]

i make sure the case is grounded by leaving the kettle lead plugged into the psu, but we also have wirefree antistatic bands we use here

 

This is what I do, but I make sure the power is off at the wall and that a part of my body is always in contact with the case. I always ground myself before picking any sensitive componants up.

 

Covered all ways then.

[maniac]

I've only used one once when working on a brand new HP server about 3 years ago.

[elsiegee40]

I've never used a wristband, except once on a course.

 

Like others, I leave the machine plugged in with the mains switched off and usually attempt to station myself next to something like a radiator, so I can earth myself if I have a fit of anxiety.

[RinSewand]

Never used one, I don't usually leave anything plugged in either, I just don't do the Family Guy onesie-static-suit thing, make balloon animals or build machines near Van Der Graff generators. Usually tap the case periodically throughout any build though, in 6 years I've killed presicely 0 items due to static.

 

Older PC kit is more sensitive to it by a long way (pre-socket A days...), modern stuff is a lot more resiliant.

 

RwD

[tom_newton]

If you do use a wristband, don't let it get wrapped round, say, a SATA or IDE cable. Hard disks *really* hate hitting the floor when running.

 

Conclusion: more harm than good

[pete]

I cheat - i've glued grounded anti-static mats to our workbench.

 

It also depends how much the hardware costs. Desktop PC? Probably won't bother. Installing components in a £5,000 server? Static band it is.

[K.C.Leblanc]

As an antistatic precaution none of the ICT support team are permitted to come to work wearing spandex. The same rule has been applied to the site staff, not sure why.

[ozzy]

I've had a wrist band since I started working in IT and it's been in the bottom of my tool case all that time:o never seen the light of day

[ahuxham]

General PC's: Never used one, never had a problem, just tap the case every now and again.

 

Servers/ Expensive Equipment: Use one, rather safe than sorry even if its all a gimmick.

[somabc]

I use a home made Faraday cage,

 

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/51/148653427_4d479c03b5.jpg

 

not really no I just touch the outside of the case

[Iosoma]

The closest ive ever been to being safe, is touching a radiator or other large body of metal to discharge static, then touch the PC case.

 

To be honest Ive never found it to be an issue.