Another Static Electricity Question...

[Super TWiT]

When I am inside my amiga 500, I attach the alligator clip of my wrist strap to the floppy drive casing, where the keyboard is grounded. I don't leave computers plugged in when I work on them because I feel the risk is greater that you short something due to unrealized electricity, and prefer to subscribe to the theory that because you clipped yourself to the computer you and the computer are at the same static potential. But today I thought "I really want to be at the same static potential as the components I am working on, not the case. How can this be effective?" Could someone answer my question?

[Super TWiT]

Even the casing of a floppy drive?

[Super TWiT]

I can't really sand down the power connector on an amiga though, but that is a good tip for pcs with interchangeable cords. I was just wondering how the case and computer components could be at the same static potential? By the way, the amiga 500s keyboard is actually grounded to the floppy drive case by way of a screw on cable, so I assume it is a good grounding point.

[Super TWiT]

I take static very seriously. The humidity is at least 33% mostly higher. I usually ground myself by touching a grounding screw which is right in the room where I work on the amiga. I also touch the tap (sink faucet). I usually wear 100% cotton (socks included) when working on the amiga (cotton is static neutral along with steel). I also walk across no carpet flooring. And, I work on a hardwood floor which is VERY close to being static neutral (wood is slightly positve). On top of it all, I wear a wrist strap.

[Super TWiT]

Good point...  That should be a good ground then... But only if the plug is plugged into the wall...
Hmmmm..  Not really sure how to ground that one without the removable cord. (I have a 2000 and it does have the removable cord)

I know how to ground it! Get an extension cord and modify that! Then plug the amiga into the extension cord and the modified extension cord into the wall.

[Super TWiT]

Now, I have another question (sorry for the hmm.. lets see TRIPPLE post) I hear you can turn off the power supply and leave it plugged in and the ground will still be effective. Wouldn't the switch break the connection between you and the ground?

[Super TWiT]

I might still mod the plug because I don't really trust the switch all the time. I probably will switch it off & plug in the modded plug. I bought a ground tester, and was surprised to find all the outlets were properly grounded. This house was built in the 70s and well some of the wiring looks a little scary. Also, according to my multimeter voltage is pretty good too. Well, I guess maybe the wiring ain't so bad after all.

[Super TWiT]

I have a question about the plug I bought. I got a cheap one from walmart, and I am noticed it has a label on the side that says 125 volts US. Static electricity is thousands of volts. I assume this is still okay to use. (its 16 awg wire).

[Super TWiT]

Don't mean to drudge up an old thread. I guess I can't help but ask yet another static electricity question!  :laughing:
Anyway, from what I've gathered here, people are telling me that in order for static electricity prevention to be effective, I need to have my wrist strap clipped to a grounded spot on my case, and the computer plugged into a grounded outlet.
However, assuming I don't plug it in but I do have my wrist strap clipped onto my case, won't electrons just build up on the case, and then once I plug in the computer the electrons will flow to ground. If so, what is the harm in not plugging the computer in while I work on it?

[Super TWiT]

What I was wondering about was why can't you have your wrist strap clipped to your case, but just not have it plugged in. Electrons would just build on the case right? If so, what's the problem with that?

[Super TWiT]

I don't doubt static electricity is dangerous. I just wondered what the problem was if I didn't plug in the computer to ground while I worked on it, but had my wrist strap clipped to the case. Even though the case isn't grounded, all that would happen is electrons would build up on the case right? Where's the harm in that? They would dissipate the next time I plugged the computer into a grounded outlet.