Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Working with computers and electronics
• Method 2 of 2: Ground yourself using common techniques
• Tips
• Warnings

Grounding yourself is the process of removing any excess voltage or charge from an object so that you can protect yourself from electric shock, especially when working with electronics, appliances, and other objects that increase the risk of electrical accidents. There are several ways to ground yourself safely when working with computers and electronics and to reduce static electricity in the home or office.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Working with computers and electronics

1. Create your workspace in a place without rugs or carpets. This helps to significantly reduce the occurrence of electric shock. If working on an empty floor is not possible, consider applying a light coat of anti-static spray on the rug or carpet before working with the electronics.
2. Keep pets away from your workplace. Pets with hair such as dogs, cats and ferrets can increase the risk of electric shock if they come into contact with you or your electronics.
3. Work in an environment with a humidity between 35 and 50 percent. Static build-up is most common in dry, cold environments.
4. Remove waste and other unnecessary items from your workspace. Things like paper, plastic containers and cellophane can generate static electricity when you move them around on your desk or in your workspace.
5. Before working on your computer or electronic device, touch a grounded object. A grounded object is an object that leads directly to the ground, such as a water pipe, wall, or wooden table. When working with computers, the most ideal way to ground yourself is to touch the metal case of the computer before unplugging the device.
6. Wear an anti-static belt or wrist strap. This strap prevents static electricity by connecting directly to your computer so that the charge is distributed and discharge cannot take place.
7. Stand on an anti-static mat while working on the device. These types of mats, also known as ESD or ground mats, can help prevent electric shocks.
8. Make sure your computer is disconnected or turned off before working on the components. This prevents electrical current from flowing through the machine while you are working on it.
9. Grasp all components by the edges when installing and removing parts from your device. Electricity is normally transferred through exposed pins, connectors, and power circuits that are outside the edges of the CPU and its components.

Method 2 of 2: Ground yourself using common techniques

1. Increase the humidity in your area. Dry, cold environments with low humidity generate more static electricity. Consider using a humidifier in your home or office to achieve a humidity level between 35 and 50 percent.
2. Do not wear clothes made of wool and synthetic fabrics. Wool and synthetic fabrics such as polyester, rayon and spandex are more likely to rub against each other and cause static electricity due to this friction.
3. Keep your skin and hands hydrated. Dry skin causes static build-up and can even cause your clothes to rub against your skin repeatedly. Drink plenty of water and apply lotion or moisturizer to your skin as needed to prevent and treat dryness.
4. Touch a metal object with another metal object to avoid static discharge. This allows sparks from the discharge to affect the metal object and not your skin. For example, first touch a doorknob with a key instead of your hand to reduce the risk of electric shock.

Tips

• Consider storing computer and electronic components in anti-static bags when not in use. This will help reduce and eliminate static electricity that the parts can generate when you move them.

Warnings

• Always take steps to ground yourself before you start upgrading and working on computers, processors, and other electronic devices. Failure to ground yourself can lead to life-threatening electric shocks and can also permanently damage your computer and its components.