How to use an ESD strap?

[PointFive]

So, I watched Linus' POV on the tutorial on how to build a PC. He mentioned to use an esd strap, mount the clip to the PSU which is in the off position and connected to the wall. Is it supposed to have a light electrifying feeling?

 

Mentioned video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7MYOpFONCU&t=198s&ab_channel=LinusTechTips

[Eigenvektor]

Not really, no. Normally you attach it to yourself and then some grounded metal, so that you are grounded through the strap.

[PointFive]

Welp, all im feeling is pain. please help

[Dedayog]

14 minutes ago, PointFive said:

Welp, all im feeling is pain. please help

Take it off

 

You don't need an ESD strap to build a PC.  They're not all that fragile.

[PointFive]

2 minutes ago, Dedayog said:

Take it off

 

You don't need an ESD strap to build a PC.  They're not all that fragile.

haha of course i took it off after it was uncomfortable. Was just confused what's wrong because people seem to be super calm when using it.

[aDoomGuy]

What you can do if you want to be safe rather than sorry and instead of using the strap is to connect the PSU to the wall, turn it on and just touch it. That is... if you don't mind a bit of a static shock lol.

 

I think this is ...fine allthough not the most pleasant way of removing static.  

[greenhorn]

35 minutes ago, PointFive said:

Is it supposed to have a light electrifying feeling?

No, that shouldn't be the case at all. Are you sure you connected it to a proper ground? Otherwise there might be something wrong with the electrical wiring, in which case I wouldn't recommend using the strap. By the way, properly built straps have a large resistor built in that should protect you from harm even when connected to an improper ground, but don't count on it

[PointFive]

5 minutes ago, aDoomGuy said:

What you can do if you want to be safe rather than sorry and instead of using the strap is to connect the PSU to the wall, turn it on and just touch it. That is... if you don't mind a bit of a static shock lol.

 

I think this is ...fine allthough not the most pleasant way of removing static.  

Do I need to just tap it or hold it for a few secs? I really don't know much about this, haha sorry for asking silly questions

[PointFive]

1 minute ago, greenhorn said:

No, that shouldn't be the case at all. Are you sure you connected it to a proper ground? Otherwise there might be something wrong with the electrical wiring, in which case I wouldn't recommend using the strap. By the way, properly built straps have a large resistor built in that should protect you from harm even when connected to an improper ground, but don't count on it

I connected it exactly like how the video is. Even using the same brand of PSU. Checked, the power on the PSU is indeed of.

 

So maybe the ESD strap is bad? I'm just using a generic one found on some online shop.

[Dedayog]

2 minutes ago, PointFive said:

Do I need to just tap it or hold it for a few secs? I really don't know much about this, haha sorry for asking silly questions

Tap.  It's the same as touching a light switch when you have static.  That small sharp shock.

 

You're just discharging the electricity in your body into something other than the PC.

 

Are you sure you're outlets are grounded?  You can test them with a small cheap gadget, as there is no way to know by just looking at them.  Never assume, builders cut corners.

[aDoomGuy]

4 minutes ago, PointFive said:

Do I need to just tap it or hold it for a few secs? I really don't know much about this, haha sorry for asking silly questions

Just touch it. Even with a finger. If you have some static in your body you'll feel it leaving lol. Ever gotten a shock from your fridge etc? It's gonna be like that.  

[PointFive]

6 minutes ago, Dedayog said:

You can test them with a small cheap gadget

what is it called?

 

3 minutes ago, aDoomGuy said:

Just touch it. Even with a finger. If you have some static in your body you'll feel it leaving lol. Ever gotten a shock from your fridge etc? It's gonna be like that.  

haha yea, thanks!

7 minutes ago, Dedayog said:

Tap.  It's the same as touching a light switch when you have static.  That small sharp shock.

 

You're just discharging the electricity in your body into something other than the PC.

 

Are you sure you're outlets are grounded?  You can test them with a small cheap gadget, as there is no way to know by just looking at them.  Never assume, builders cut corners.

Thankyou!

[Dedayog]

Outlet Ground Tester

 

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=outlet+ground+tester&crid=RLHWUV6GE6BP&sprefix=outlet+ground+teest%2Caps%2C-1&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-a-p_1_14

 

 

[Gibs960]

It's one of them things, I usually just build next to my radiator and touch the pipe that goes into the ground. 

 

I have used straps before but I find them so irritating and as someone has pointed out, unless you're being silly, you shouldn't need to be grounded at all times. 

[brob]

Sadly many esd straps are non functional. One needs to do a continuity test using a multimeter before relying on a strap.

 

If you felt current with the psu plugged in and turned off, you may have a great imagination , a problem with the outlet wiring, or a bad psu.

 

Using the "touch" grounding method will likely not work if the psu or wall outlet is faulty.

 

When deciding what to do keep in mind that while not common, a static discharge can render that pricy gpu, cpu, or motherboard useless.