A Computer Builder’s Guide to ESD - What can I do about static?
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What can I do about static?Your best bet is to have an ESD-safe work area. This involves removing common ESD generating materials (such as paper, styrofoam which is way bad, most plastics) to at least 12 inches away from ESD Sensitive (ESDS) items, work only on a safely grounded surface (such as a conductive mat with1-2M ohm resistance to ground), and wearing an ESD strap.
Most people won’t want to look for and obtain an ESD mat, unless they work on electronics on a regular basis, but ESD straps are available at many electronics and computer supply stores and online, many go for less than $5.00.
At the very least, you can ground yourself to the case of the computer before working with the components. Just touch the power supply or an unpainted surface.
Don’t remove ESDS components from their packaging until it is time to install them, and if you need to remove a component, place it inside an ESD “static bag”, folding the open end of the bag at least twice. Do not staple or otherwise puncture static bags or put static-generating materials in them. Be Safe!
There are some safety issues one must pay attention to when working in a computer case. Some people will recommend leaving the computer plugged in but turned off so that the chassis is grounded through the electrical system. While it is one way of ensuring the computer is grounded, it seems to me to be a perfect way to invite disaster, as the power supply will be energized, particularly in the case of the newer ATX and uATX computers (think about it… ever notice that while you computer is off, the red light in your optical mouse is still on? That’s 5vdc running through that USB port).
One shouldn’t be rummaging around inside a case with power applied anyway, but there are times when it will happen. Wearing an ESD strap while working with a live computer is also inviting trouble, as the strap effectively puts the wearer at ground potential and thus ensuring a shocking experience should the user touch an energized wire/component.
If you are using an ESD mat, don’t try running a board while it is sitting on the mat or you can short it out and destroy it. The same goes for the gray ESD bag it came in.
Summary
I have only covered the basics of ESD here. I have defined what ESD is, how prevalent it is in the electronics industry and given some pointers on ESD control and prevention. Now, armed with your new ESD knowledge, go build that computer!
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