New build - have a question about ESD (I know...but I have a very specific question!)

[Jabomb9]

I have ordered all the parts for my new computer and they will get here tomorrow. Now this will be the first system I have built completely, but I have changed out several components in my other computers before without issue (as far as I know). I was always cautious of ESD and made contact with the case, bare feet on tile or linoleum, not shuffling around, etc, but I have never used a wrist band.

They're so cheap that I figured I might as well get one for a full build and I plan to just clip it to a screw on the new case somewhere as well as following the rest of the precautions and I'm sure everything will be fine. However, I was curious about how I should go about handling the new components when I grab them from the packaging? I would still be connected to the case (therefore equalized), but I would think that the components I take out of their packaging would have a different potential than me.

Can I avoid this just by making sure I grab the components while still in the special bag they come in?

I'm sure I'm over-stressing this issue, but I figure I should try to do it right. HOpefully you can understand what I'm trying to ask I've looked around for a bit and can't find an answer for my specific question.

Thank you so much!

[majora1991]

Normally holding on the chassis of the case will do just fine. If anything, the part probably have some sort of warranty and you can replace it. I wouldn't stress too much though

[glc]

If you are that fussy, you need a full ESD kit - a mat and a wrist strap. The mat grounds to an earth ground and the strap connects to the mat. All packages need to be opened on the mat.

[rwest]

The wrist strap is still beneficial to you. If you clip it to the case, you don't fully eliminate the chance of ESD harming your new product but you have decreased the possibility. And yes you should still follow the procedure as if you don't have a wrist stap. This also decreases the possibility of ESD harming your new component.

Yes, the charge generated by you grabbing the bag and removing the product from the bag needs a place to go. The created charge will take the path of least resistance to ground. The purpose of touching the case when handling componenets is to create a false ground. The concept is that there is more metal on the case than there is on the board.The wrist strap connnected to the case keeps the connection, and allows you to use both hands freely. But you touching the case first, is a shorter path to this false ground. Less resistance.


The purpose of the matt and why it is better; Well when the matt is connected to an earth ground and the strap is connected to the matt - then there is no question as to which way the charge will travel. If the matt cant be connected to an earth ground it is still better, for it has a metal alloy in its construction designed to draw the cuurent.


Bottom line: Use a wrist stap if you have one, continue to grab the case first, and worry about it a little less the more you do to control ESD.

[Hufigyed]

I've built 2 computers and I never used a wrist strap and in fact, I built them while I was standing on carpet(a huge no-no). Both computer run totally stable with no issues. I just made sure the power supply was plugged in and physically touching the case and I was also touching the case whenever I was handling a component.

However, in my computer hardware maintenance and repair class I'm taking they pounded the fact that we should ALWAYS use a mat and wrist strap. Apparently chips don't always get fried but can get "wounded", if you will, and when this happens the chip is damaged in such a way that it still works but will cause sporadic or seemingly random issues like system hangs or freezes and then it is very difficult to determine where the problem is because it may not happen when you test the ram or motherboard or whatever.

More about that in this 1984 Corporate Apple training video. TeacherTube Videos - Apple ESD video

[strollin]

I have a confession to make. I've worked on electronic devices for the last 40 years, everything from high powered transmitters and receivers to the latest micro electronics. I've built dozens of computers and repaired/upgraded countless more. I have NEVER worn an ESD wrist strap and, to my knowledge, have not had any failures due to ESD. I do make sure that I handle cards by their edges and tend to touch the frame (usually grounded) before starting work. I'm not proposing that everyone disregard the ESD warnings, but I believe ESD failures are a rare issue and there's no reason for the OP to be so concerned. Use reasonable caution and you will be OK.

[Nuclear Krusader]

I second that. I've never used any other protection, and I've even built computers whilst standing on carpet. My only real concern and precaution is to make sure that the humidity of the place in which I'm working is never below 40%.

[glc]

When I was a bench tech for military avionics, we were totally anal about ESD protection. We even had to wear clips on our shoes to keep us grounded.