Does plexiglass build a static charge?

[LLOYD-AF]

Hello people,

 

I was planning to mod my case and put a window on the side, for this I was going to use 3mm plexiglass (cut to size, polished with screw holes etc) but a friend told me plexiglass can build / store static. is this true? I don't want to use it if that's the case and what alternatives could I use?

 

Thank you.

[Drixen]

I've used Brillianize to clean and remove static electricity. It works very well.

[QueenDemetria]

Hello people,

 

I was planning to mod my case and put a window on the side, for this I was going to use 3mm plexiglass (cut to size, polished with screw holes etc) but a friend told me plexiglass can build / store static. is this true? I don't want to use it if that's the case and what alternatives could I use?

 

Thank you.

Plexiglass is fine, most cases use it. So if you rub it with a cloth(sock or whatever) it will build static on its own, but luckily it will be tied to a case that can discharge it(well, keep it at a equilibrium), so it doesn't really build a charge(maybe a tiny bit, not enough to do anything).

[Naeaes]

It can be one part of the equation but there's no need to worry. Pretty much anything can. Plexi or plastic altogether is fine to use as a material. Plexi and wool is a bad idea.

[LLOYD-AF]

I've used Brillianize to clean and remove static electricity. It works very well.

 

My concern is I'm using a itx case and there is only 6mm between the pexiglass and the components, that can't be good if it stores static?

 

I have no idea how it discharges in relation to pc parts, I just know people make a big deal of it when building a pc.

[SPAS-ID]

No

[Drixen]

My concern is I'm using a itx case and there is only 6mm between the pexiglass and the components, that can't be good if it stores static?

 

I have no idea how it discharges in relation to pc parts, I just know people make a big deal of it when building a pc.

 

If it's that close, I would second guess. Better to not risk and destroy parts due to a simple thing of just refraining to do it in the first place. I would VERY cautious how to approach if it's within inches of component surface contact.

[samcool55]

My concern is I'm using a itx case and there is only 6mm between the pexiglass and the components, that can't be good if it stores static?

 

I have no idea how it discharges in relation to pc parts, I just know people make a big deal of it when building a pc.

No worries, i would only worry if it touches or there is like a hair thickness of room between it, but 6mm is more than enough.

Compare it to cases, they are metal so a lot more static charge can be in them, and they are also like a couple of mm's between it and the motherboard soo, you are fine! 

[LLOYD-AF]

Ok, a few different answers. Thank you for all your feedback.

 

I'm still not sure if I'm going to risk it, if it was a £500 build then sure but for £1600 I don't want to take the risk without more details.

 

Anyone have a link to a site with more details?

[ThomasD]

Yes.

 

Pretty much anything that is a poor conductor can hold a static charge.

 

"A static electric charge is created whenever two surfaces contact and separate, and at least one of the surfaces has a high resistance to electric current (and is therefore an electrical insulator)."

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Static_electricity

 

And do not forget that the "second surface" can be things all but invisible - like dust particles flowing over the plexiglas.

[ThomasD]

Hello people,

 

I was planning to mod my case and put a window on the side, for this I was going to use 3mm plexiglass (cut to size, polished with screw holes etc) but a friend told me plexiglass can build / store static. is this true? I don't want to use it if that's the case and what alternatives could I use?

 

Thank you.

Sorry, I totally missed the part about why you asked the title question.

 

So yes, a plexi window (or any other form of plastic window) could build up a charge.  The thing is, that charge is not going anywhere and certainly would not cause a problem with your system.

 

Because if it did, then it would be a problem with pretty much every chassis that has a window.

 

Plexi window to your heart's content.

[W-L]

Ok, a few different answers. Thank you for all your feedback.

I'm still not sure if I'm going to risk it, if it was a £500 build then sure but for £1600 I don't want to take the risk without more details.

Anyone have a link to a site with more details?

 

As others have mentioned static build up can occur on plastics like acrylic but isn't a big concern since it will at most be very mild, the components in your case are all grounded by your PSU  through the power cables so it is perfectly safe to use a case that is entirely acrylic. The only time it's a worry is if your building a case for super sensitive electronic measuring equipment or where a small charge can affect readings.

[Dukanater]

like W-L said your PSU will ground your case preventing any dangerous levels of static from building up

[LLOYD-AF]

Sorry, I totally missed the part about why you asked the title question.

 

So yes, a plexi window (or any other form of plastic window) could build up a charge.  The thing is, that charge is not going anywhere and certainly would not cause a problem with your system.

 

Because if it did, then it would be a problem with pretty much every chassis that has a window.

 

Plexi window to your heart's content.

 

 

As others have mentioned static build up can occur on plastics like acrylic but isn't a big concern since it will at most be very mild, the components in your case are all grounded by your PSU  through the power cables so it is perfectly safe to use a case that is entirely acrylic. The only time it's a worry is if your building a case for super sensitive electronic measuring equipment or where a small charge can affect readings.

 

Thats great news, thanks for all the help with this guys.