How to ground yourself to avoid destroying a computer with electrostatic discharge

In this article, you will be taught how to take the necessary precautions to avoid damaging the delicate internal parts of a computer with electrostatic discharges (static electricity). Although the likelihood of you damaging a computer with static electricity is low, there are a few steps you can take to make sure you don't accidentally short-circuit a vital component.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Prepare the work surface

Ground Yourself to Avoid Destroying a Computer with Electrostatic Discharge Step 1

Step 1. Work on a hard surface

Assemble or disassemble your computer on a clean, hard surface to minimize static build-up. You can use a table, a countertop, or a wooden board.

Never place your computer on a surface such as a rug, blanket, or towel when performing any action that requires you to ground yourself

Ground Yourself to Avoid Destroying a Computer with Electrostatic Discharge Step 2

Step 2. Stand barefoot on a hard floor

Carpets and socks could create a shock. Instead, you should stand barefoot on hardwood floors, tiles, or other materials.

If you have no choice but to stand on a carpet, you will need to be especially cautious about grounding once every two minutes.
You can use rubber slippers to completely block your connection to the floor, but this is considered excessive for a home project.
Any rubber-soled footwear should also be sufficient to block your connection to the ground.

Ground Yourself to Avoid Destroying a Computer with Electrostatic Discharge Step 3

Step 3. Remove all static-producing clothing

Wool and some synthetic fabrics are especially good at accumulating static electricity, so remove them if possible and replace them with cotton clothing.

If possible, you should wash and dry your clothes with a dryer sheet to minimize static build-up before working on your computer

Ground Yourself to Avoid Destroying a Computer with Electrostatic Discharge Step 4

Step 4. Humidify the environment if the weather is dry

Static electricity production poses a much higher risk in dry environments. If you have a humidifier, turn it on, but don't bother buying one if you don't. The other precautions should be more than enough on their own.

You can also humidify the environment by hanging a damp cloth in front of a radiator or fan

Ground Yourself to Avoid Destroying a Computer with Electrostatic Discharge Step 5

Step 5. Keep all components in antistatic bags

All new computer components should remain in the antistatic bags they came in until you are ready to install them.

Part 2 of 2: Conduct Grounding

Ground Yourself to Avoid Destroying a Computer with Electrostatic Discharge Step 6

Step 1. Understand how this procedure works

To prevent built-up static from transferring from your body to a sensitive computer component, you will need to discharge the static into something more resistant. In most cases, it is a metallic element that touches the ground or a series of elements that go to the ground.

Ground Yourself to Avoid Destroying a Computer with Electrostatic Discharge Step 7

Step 2. Use the computer case for grounding

Most builders employ this technique: Before touching or installing anything that can be damaged by electrostatic discharge (for example, the motherboard), you should place your hand on an unpainted metal part of the computer case.

You can even place the non-dominant arm on the metal part of the case while installing the component if you want to be absolutely sure that an electrostatic discharge will not damage it

Ground Yourself to Avoid Destroying a Computer with Electrostatic Discharge Step 8

Step 3. Touch grounded metal objects every 2 minutes

These should be metallic and unpainted with a clear ground path (for example, a metal radiator or the compartment shield over the computer case). This is considered the fastest and easiest option, and many people build computers without taking any other precautions.

There is a small but definite risk that this procedure is not enough. Trust this only if your project is fast and the components are not of value

Ground Yourself to Avoid Destroying a Computer with Electrostatic Discharge Step 9

Step 4. Use an antistatic wrist strap to ground

You can get these inexpensive items in electronics stores and virtual markets. Wear the bracelet snug against your skin and attach the dangling end to an unpainted, grounded metal object (such as a screw).

Avoid wearing a bracelet without wires, as they do not work.
If you get a bracelet with a clasp (instead of a clip), it will be easy to slide it over the center screw onto a power outlet plate. It's supposed to be grounded (at least by US code), but you can use a multimeter to check.

Ground Yourself to Avoid Destroying a Computer with Electrostatic Discharge Step 10

Step 5. Connect to a grounded metal object using a wire

A common technique for staying grounded is to tie a conductive wire (such as copper) around a toe or wrist and then tie the other end around an unpainted, grounded metal object. This procedure is ideal if you have the materials on hand and you don't have a hard surface.

Ground Yourself to Avoid Destroying a Computer with Electrostatic Discharge Step 11

Step 6. Work on a mat with ESD protection

You must buy this item classified as "conductive" or "dissipative." Then, place the computer parts on the mat and touch it as you work. Some models also have a point to hold the bracelet.

Opt for a vinyl mat with ESD protection to repair computers. Rubber is more expensive and is not necessary for this purpose.
Unless you value your peace of mind too highly, this detail is considered more than required for most home projects.

Advice

When handling the CPU, you should hold it only by the edge. Do not touch any pins, overhead metal parts, or exposed circuitry unless absolutely necessary.
The concern about ESD damage to a computer is not considered the same as it was a decade ago. While it's important that you take steps to prevent accidental discharges, most modern computer components have a great deal of built-in shielding to prevent damage from something as simple as static electricity.