Memory static

billyben77 · 02-12-2008, 09:21 PM

When adding memory, what precautions are necessary to prevent a static electricity discharge?

Jebtall · 02-12-2008, 10:07 PM

Buy a wrist strap, they aren't very expensive. Leave the power cord plugged in, so the computer case is grounded, and clip the wrist strap to the metal case.

In a pinch, you can go with out a wrist strap, just leave the power cord plugged in and stay in contact with the case. I can usually keep my forearm up against part of the case while take the memory out or putting it back in. I have changed memories many times using this method with out any problems.

Another big factor is humidity, if it is very dry where you are at, think about getting a wrist strap, if it is really dry where you are at you might even want to think about a humidifier and/or air ionizer. Where I work, we can't even handle parts, even with wrist straps, if the humidity is below 20%.

Basically, it all comes down to how much risk you are willing to take vs. using or not using protection.

If it is fairly humid, you probably can get a way with out a wrist strap, just be cautious as stated above.

2pistolpacker · 02-19-2008, 06:47 AM

I would never work on or stick my hand in the case while the computer is plugged into a power source. I always unplug the computer from the wall and hit the power button several times to discharge the system. With wrist strap on, I then procede to work on the computer. Mike

Jebtall · 02-19-2008, 08:29 PM

Without a wrist strap, the only easy way for to have a good ground (on the case) is with the PSU plugged in. Unless the PSU internals are exposed, there is no real danger on the mobo, it's all DC. If the PSU somehow failed and was putting live 120VAC on the mobo, well you wouldn't have time to stick you hand in there before the mobo smoked and you know something wasn't right. Mobo components weren't designed to take that kind of voltage.

My wrist strap has a 3 prong plug (hot and neutral are plastic) so I know I am plugged into a good ground. But some wrist straps only have an alli clip to clip onto a ground. So if you wanted an easy place to clamp it to, the case would be good, but only if the PSU is plugged in. I guess if leaving it plugged in bothers some, then you must clip/plug into a good known ground.

02-12-2008, 09:21 PM	#1 (permalink)
billyben77 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 1 OS: Windows XP	Memory static When adding memory, what precautions are necessary to prevent a static electricity discharge?

02-12-2008, 10:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
Jebtall Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 85 OS: xp	Re: Memory static Buy a wrist strap, they aren't very expensive. Leave the power cord plugged in, so the computer case is grounded, and clip the wrist strap to the metal case. In a pinch, you can go with out a wrist strap, just leave the power cord plugged in and stay in contact with the case. I can usually keep my forearm up against part of the case while take the memory out or putting it back in. I have changed memories many times using this method with out any problems. Another big factor is humidity, if it is very dry where you are at, think about getting a wrist strap, if it is really dry where you are at you might even want to think about a humidifier and/or air ionizer. Where I work, we can't even handle parts, even with wrist straps, if the humidity is below 20%. Basically, it all comes down to how much risk you are willing to take vs. using or not using protection. If it is fairly humid, you probably can get a way with out a wrist strap, just be cautious as stated above.

02-19-2008, 06:47 AM	#3 (permalink)
2pistolpacker Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Lenexa, Ks Posts: 1,038 OS: Win XP Pro My System	Re: Memory static I would never work on or stick my hand in the case while the computer is plugged into a power source. I always unplug the computer from the wall and hit the power button several times to discharge the system. With wrist strap on, I then procede to work on the computer. Mike __________________ Speak kindly to me, beloved master. Revel in my unconditional love, and give me every minute that you can spare, for my time with you is short. --Your faithful dog

02-19-2008, 08:29 PM	#4 (permalink)
Jebtall Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 85 OS: xp	Re: Memory static Without a wrist strap, the only easy way for to have a good ground (on the case) is with the PSU plugged in. Unless the PSU internals are exposed, there is no real danger on the mobo, it's all DC. If the PSU somehow failed and was putting live 120VAC on the mobo, well you wouldn't have time to stick you hand in there before the mobo smoked and you know something wasn't right. Mobo components weren't designed to take that kind of voltage. My wrist strap has a 3 prong plug (hot and neutral are plastic) so I know I am plugged into a good ground. But some wrist straps only have an alli clip to clip onto a ground. So if you wanted an easy place to clamp it to, the case would be good, but only if the PSU is plugged in. I guess if leaving it plugged in bothers some, then you must clip/plug into a good known ground.