Electric shock (Electrostatic discharge, abbreviated ESD) is a special term for static electricity that is common. The current running through the doorknob may be too small to knock you out, but it's enough to damage a computer. That's why you should avoid ESD as much as possible when assembling or disassembling a PC, for example wearing an anti-ESD wrist strap, conducting electrical discharges, modifying cables, or wearing special clothing.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Preparing the Work Area
Step 1. Work on a hard surface
To minimize static build-up, perform assembly or disassembly of the computer on a clean, hard surface, such as a tabletop or wooden board.
Step 2. Stand on a hard floor barefoot
Carpets or socks can conduct electricity. Therefore, stand barefoot on tile, wood, or other hard floors.
Alternatively, you can simply wear rubber sandals to isolate your body against the floor
Step 3. Remove all static clothing
Static electricity can build up on wool or certain synthetic fabrics. Better to wear clothes made of cotton.
Step 4. Moisturize a dry environment
Static electricity is much greater in dry environments. If you have a humidifier, turn it on while you work, but you don't need to buy one if you don't have one. Other precautions are sufficient.
Another way to humidify the room temperature is to hang a damp cloth in front of a fan or radiator
Step 5. Put all computer components in an antistatic bag
All new components should remain in the antistatic bag that wrapped the components when you purchased them.
Part 2 of 2: Self-Grounding
Step 1. Occasionally touch metal objects
This metal must be unpainted with a clear grounding path, such as a metal radiator. This step is easy and quick because people usually don't take other precautions when working with computers. Even so, the risk that lurks is still there even though it is small. This option is only appropriate for fast-paced projects, or if the cost of the computer components involved are inexpensive.
Step 2. Wear an antistatic wrist strap
These inexpensive bracelets are generally sold in electronics stores. Wear the bracelet to your skin, then attach the end of the cord to a grounded metal object. Many people instead attach this bracelet to the bare metal of the computer case. This is fine if all components are electrically connected, but all component manufacturers fully recommend grounding your bracelet.
- The wireless bracelet will not work to prevent electric shock.
- If you live in the US and your bracelet has a knot (instead of a hook), you can simply attach it over the center screw in the outlet. This screw should be grounded, but it's a good idea to double-check with a multimeter.
- Double check that the band cord is attached to a conductive surface. Paint can block or slow conduction.
Step 3. Ground the computer case
The computer case doesn't need to be grounded if you have a grounded body, but it's a good idea to have the case grounded. The trick is to ground the computer without turning it on. You can select one of the options below to ensure that no power will be delivered to it.
- Plug in the surge protector and then turn it off. Install the power supply unit (PSU) into the triple surge protector.
- Hook the bare metal part of the case to a grounded object with a grounding wire.
- If there is a switch on the back of the PSU, turn it off and plug in the PSU.
- Unscrew the grounded plug compartment near the branch. Remove the fuse so that no power flows, then plug in the PSU. This method only applies in the United Kingdom.
Step 4. Take and level the ESD mat to cover the work area
For home projects, this method is generally very redundant, but gives you a grounding guarantee solution. Degree all computer components on ESD mat. You are free to touch any part while working. Some models have a section for attaching an antistatic wristband.
