how to ground myself please?

daffodil

Hi
I need to remove the casing on my computer, I need to clean it inside;
The problem is that I dont have one of those grounding wristbands, would wearing rubber gloves be ok please?

esuhl

daffodil wrote: »

Hi
I need to remove the casing on my computer, I need to clean it inside;
The problem is that I dont have one of those grounding wristbands, would wearing rubber gloves be ok please?

Wearing rubber gloves would do the opposite -- insulate you from ground! I imagine that static charge could probably build up on the rubber and damage components...

Turn the PSU off (if it has a switch) or switch off or unplug it from the mains and press the "power" button to discharge the capacitors on the motherboard. Then, ensuring that the power cable is plugged in (but not turned on if possible -- so just the earth is connected), you can ground yourself by firmly clasping part of the bare metal on the case with one hand.

Hope that helps.

tonyh66

no, rubber gloves will not ground you. What yo need to do is, turn off computer, switch it off at the wall but leave the cable plugged in, this grounds the case through the earth in the plug. open the case and hold the exposed metal with one hand, this grounds you.
As an extra precaution, don't wear any nylon clothing or shuffle your feet on the carpet.
Also do not use a vacuum cleaner on the inside of the computer, use either a can of compressed air (can be very messy with dust flying everywhere or use a paintbrush with natural bristles.

daffodil

Wow!!
Thankyou both will follow your instructions - I must admitt I was thinking of using a vacuum cleaner, thank goodness I asked on this board - you're amazing both of you:T:T

Pitchshifter

Tell us how you get on.

NiftyDigits

Must admit to using a vacuum cleaner without mishap. As such it is my recommended method.
Forget about the compressed air.

I'd like to hear from someone who has damaged their computer whilst cleaning the dust away with a vacuum cleaner.

jayme1

You can use a vacuum cleaner I do an never had a problem even with laptops, it's just general precautions like don't smash it into the components, be gentle and it's fine.

For grounding I unplug it from the mains (I personally don't leave it plugged in at all), press the power button to ensure there is no residual power, then if you touch something grounded (I use a radiator) that will ground you, then as you carry on working every so often tap the radiator again.

Pitchshifter

I use a vac to clean the outside of the computer and very carefully use it only on certain parts inside my computer case. This is only because I'm cheap and lazy, lol.
The best and safest way to clean a PC case is to carry the whole thing outside, place it on a patio table, remove the side and blast all the dust out of it with a can of air. Once a year is plenty.
Using a vac inside is risky, for a couple of reasons: 1) you can quite easily smash components with the nozzle itself and 2) the suction of the air through a plastic nozzle causes static build-up in that plastic which could be discharged to a component. You may not even know this has happened but it can reduce the life of components so they fail at a later date.
You don't need to ground yourself if you are outside, but anyway don't stick your fingers near the motherboard and you'll be fine. If you're inside on carpet, yes ground yourself by touching something metal the is connected to ground, even the radiator will do.

Mrs_Arcanum

Or have someone holding the hose of the switched on vacuum nearby, whilst you air blast.

daffodil

All this advice is brilliant ty all so much I know what to do now:T

[Deleted User]

I always use to hold a radiator to ground myself.. not sure if that works!