Anti static work area

[immrsam]

Hope I'm in the right area, not a big forum person

In the next couple of weeks, I should have all the parts to build a pc for the first time. I have researched like crazy and believe it should go ok.

However, I have noticed in a few of Linus' videos that he uses an anti static work mat. Seeing as I don't want to fry my components, what is an anti static work mat? Is it a rubber or foam mat? How important is it and also, are the ones you can purchase necessary or is it possible to construct your own?

Thanks in advance

[Hans Christian | Teri]

Touch a radiator before touching any critical components and don't work in a room with carpet, then you should be just fine.

[Havoc]

 

Hope I'm in the right area, not a big forum person 
In the next couple of weeks, I should have all the parts to build a pc for the first time. I have researched like crazy and believe it should go ok.
However, I have noticed in a few of Linus' videos that he uses an anti static work mat. Seeing as I don't want to fry my components, what is an anti static work mat? Is it a rubber or foam mat? How important is it and also, are the ones you can purchase necessary or is it possible to construct your own?
Thanks in advance

 

 

Yes, anti-static work area not completely necessary, as long as you ground your self and don't do this.....

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuAMNqMuL7U

 

you should be fine.

[MisterZero]

If you have a wooden table, it will work the same as an antistatic work mat, it is isolating so you won't have any prolems with components being shorted while performing a startup out of the case (to check the components work properly).

 

AND the crucial part, Touch a radiator or any metal part that is connected to a ground pin to discharge yourself of any static electricity! As @Hans Christian | Teri said a Radiator will work just fine.

 

Hope this helped,

 

Greetz.

[immrsam]

Thanks for the quick replies.

My table has what looks like a vinyl top, would that be a problem? Either vinyl or fake leather, can't really tell.

Edit: my floor is wood though

[MisterZero]

Nope Vinyl and fake Leather are plastic based materials which are also isolating.
 

So no problem there

 

Greetz.

[lachyman]

I can recommend working on a wooden table and touch something metal every now and then to get the charge off you.

[rhyseyness]

I use an anti static wrist strap from my work (attached to a radiator, or the pc case).

At work we also have mats and common grounding points, but the motherboard box or a wooden table should safice for building a PC.

[WoodenMarker]

Unless you roll around on a carpet before you work, you don't really need an anti static strap. Just touch a metal case or plugged in psu to ground yourself every once in a while.