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What are the best methods for grounding yourself while you are building a computer? I've heard some methods but I'm not sure how they work/if they work at all.

  • Touching a plugged in, off PSU
  • Metal case of the desktop (Wouldn't this be potentially dangerous if you transfer the static electricity to it, and the back of the motherboard brushes against the back of the case while you are mounting it on using standoffs?
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I'm sure we've had this question before, but I can't find it right now, so here's the technical point of view:

When you touch a part of the case, you make sure that your own potential is at same level as the potential of the case. If the case is connected to the ground, like when the PSU is plugged in, your potential will be at same level as ground potential.

There is no risk of having static electricity on the conductive case itself, because you static electricity can't be generated on conductive surfaces.

As for grounding yourself, the best way I've seen is grounded anti-static mat. With them, you don't have to worry about connecting wristband to the ground each time you move.

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You last paragraph is a bit ambiguous, though I'm sure you're not saying a wristband is not needed with a mat – Tog Mar 26 '11 at 9:04
@Tog It depends on the amount of protection you want. For the best effect, you'll need a anti-static wristband, anti-static mat, grounded floor, anti-static shoes, anti-static lab coat, anti-static hat, anti-static ankle strap and probably couple of things I forgot. From my experience, mat is more than enough, but that depends on user, because some areas will generate more static electricity than other. Do feel free to down-vote if you think that my answer is against best practices. – AndrejaKo Mar 26 '11 at 9:18
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Anti-static hat? – Daniel Beck Mar 26 '11 at 9:32
Not at all, I just wasn't clear on what your last paragraph is trying to say. – Tog Mar 26 '11 at 9:38
@Daniel Beck Yes, a hat! To prevent static electricity in hair, I guess. Here are some interesting pictures. – AndrejaKo Mar 26 '11 at 11:54
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Current cannot flow and do damage without a difference in potential, therefore, anti-static measures are all aimed at preventing the build up of a potential difference in the work area. You can pay out lots of money to install a "Special Handling Area" or follow some simple advice to avoid damage to your components.
I use a wriststrap connected to the equipment chassis through a huge resistor which makes everything you touch achieve the same potential, preventing damaging current flow. If you don't choose to use a wriststrap, then you have to maintain contact with the chassis. Just shuffling your feet on a carpet is enough to generate static so minimise your movement.
Do not unpack any component unless you are touching/connected to the chassis and ready to fit it there and then, do not put it down unless it is in a protective bag or resting on the chassis.

Remember, if everything you are working on and touching is at the same potential as you are, no current can flow so no damage can occur.

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