ESD/Anti-Static Protection

[legend8887]

They really aren't a bad thing to have when building your PC, especially for the first time. I will be using one when I build my first PC soon. They are $5 at most and why not have the extra security? Also, they can't "lose" their ability to protect against static if you have it but don't use it for a while, right?

[Glenwing]

They just get in the way is all.  In my experience static is not really a danger unless you try.  Building on carpet with a fleece blanket over your head or something.  Simply taking some basic precautions by building on a hard surface/ground, and touching the case periodically, static won't be a problem.

[Altecice]

Also if you are wearing it and you touch something you shouldn't... you can die.

[legend8887]

They just get in the way is all.  In my experience static is not really a danger unless you try.  Building on carpet with a fleece blanket over your head or something.  Simply taking some basic precautions by building on a hard surface/ground, and touching the case periodically, static won't be a problem.

Wrong. They don't get in the way.

[Glenwing]

Wrong. They don't get in the way.

 

That's not really something you can state as a universal fact...

[Altecice]

We have been warned not to use them as they can kill if used improperly, instead all our workbenches and floors are antistatic.

[aidenrelkoff]

for $5 im too cheap, i just touch the metal case and something else metal every few mins, and i have never, ever had a problem. To never ever short something out (better idea then the strap) dont touch the freaking contacts...

[AlwaysFSX]

They just get in the way is all.  In my experience static is not really a danger unless you try.  Building on carpet with a fleece blanket over your head or something.  Simply taking some basic precautions by building on a hard surface/ground, and touching the case periodically, static won't be a problem.

Even with building on carpet I haven't had an problems.. I just go barefoot and constantly touch the case.

[Tr3vor]

Also if you are wearing it and you touch something you shouldn't... you can die.

 

Who wears one while the computer is plugged in?

 

You can die from everything. You could wrap the thing around your neck and choke. 

[OutlawedConsole]

If you want one, get one. If you don't, don't.

[Imaginaerum]

Wrong. They don't get in the way.

 

 

That's not really something you can state as a universal fact...

Well you can always put them on your ankle, but then you're tied to a 4 foot radius and they always seem to break one way or another. I think the danger of static is overstated, as long as (like everyone said) you aren't using a vacuum or rubbing your wool socks on the carpet before putting a computer together.

[Advent]

I have never in my decade of working on computers and high end servers used an anti-static device. There is simply no need.

As long as you aren't purposely trying to build up static and touch a component you should be fine. Most of the time when you are installing a component you ground yourself by brushing up against the inside of the case anyhow.

[Blue fellow]

Also if you are wearing it and you touch something you shouldn't... you can die.

 

I don't believe this. It takes .1 ampere to kill someone. Even if you are for some reason working on a live 440 volt circuit, you'd only get .0004 amperes into you through the 1 million ohm resistor. In order to get the lethal .1 ampere through you'd need 100,000 volts.

 

Most likely the resistor in the wrist strap will melt apart and disconnect the circuit well before your heart starts to goof up.

[cjeffcoatjr]

I built my PC on a card table, with no protection on anything. You dont need to be super cautious, just dont be stupid and wear the sweater that grandma knitted you for christmas (although, those are nice sweaters  )

[d33g33]

I always laugh when Linus says "I'm wearing one around my ankle" No you're not Linus, no you're not...

 

If you are mass producing PC's an antistatic mat is probably a better option. Realistically as long as you don't build a machine on the carpet of your lounge room floor and you sliding around on your knees and fuzzy socks, you should be fine.

[miyabwah]

I'm 12 and don't wear an antistatic wrist strap. It's over exaggeration. You shouldn't care unless you constantly rub your feet against a carpet.

[Missioncode]

Also if you are wearing it and you touch something you shouldn't... you can die.

What? How? What are you touching? A hot main wire?

 

We have been warned not to use them as they can kill if used improperly, instead all our workbenches and floors are antistatic.

Again How? What are you doing attaching a huge cap to the end? Its not that hard to connect it to ground. 

 

I don't believe this. It takes .1 ampere to kill someone. Even if you are for some reason working on a live 440 volt circuit, you'd only get .0004 amperes into you through the 1 million ohm resistor. In order to get the lethal .1 ampere through you'd need 100,000 volts.

 

Most likely the resistor in the wrist strap will melt apart and disconnect the circuit well before your heart starts to goof up.

You are forgetting most nerds are sweaty palmed neck beards like me. And if you prick your self on a pice of sprew or something it goes from 100,000 to about <120V

 

 

Litterly all I do is touch a light switch screw. And If im working on someone else PC (that I dont want to fire cuz I was lazy ) I hook up and old PSU to a power strip turned off and have that setting on my desk so I can touch it. 

[Tigerbomb8]

We have been warned not to use them as they can kill if used improperly, instead all our workbenches and floors are antistatic.

 

Who ever said that is an idiot.. 

[Mooshi]

I never wear those things. If you wanna discharge static electricity, grab onto the metal of your case.

 

I kinda doubt someone is doing something dumb like shuffling their socks onto carpet while petting their pet cat furiously to build up all that static electricity on purpose before servicing a system.

[Pingypoker]

shuffling their socks onto carpet while petting their pet cat furiously to build up all that static electricity on purpose before servicing a system.

lol

[Guest]

I'm 12 and don't wear an antistatic wrist strap. It's over exaggeration. You shouldn't care unless you constantly rub your feet against a carpet.

Youre 12 and you spend all your time on the forum. Shouldnt you be playing with dolls or somthing?

I some times sit and laugh as if your age is a joke and youre continuing to carry the joke on or to sit and be concerned for your well being.

[Darren]

I'm 12 and don't wear an antistatic wrist strap. It's over exaggeration. You shouldn't care unless you constantly rub your feet against a carpet.

 

Oh shit, I just took you so much more seriously.

 

I wear one simply out of my habit of using it with other people's equipment. Liability - ain't nobody got time fo' dat.

[ManOfDisguise]

They for pussies...

[Scia]

All I can tell you is that at my University's labs they're forbidden, as they usually make it worse. Plug in your PSU, turn it off, touchy touchy -> Happy feelings ^^

[montyrule]

that is correct