How to discharge static electricity before opening a computer?
- by Pekka
Before opening a computer, I often hear advice to touch something that is "grounded" - a computer case for example, or a heating element - to avoid damaging the sensitive electronic equipment through static discharge.
What exactly is true here, and what are the do's and don'ts.
Touching what objects will actually work, and what won't? If I touch a computer case, does it matter what it stands on, and whether it is connected to an outlet? What other ways are there to protect the equipment from a static discharge than touching something grounded?
Are there common pieces of clothing that I shouldn't be wearing when working inside a computer, for example a woollen pullover?
There is a lot on Google, but there seem to be many contradictions and misconceptions out there, so I think this is a question worth having here.
