How to Ground Yourself Electrically & Avoid Static Shock

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A complete guide to grounding yourself before handling electronics

Co-authored by Luigi Oppido

Last Updated: November 8, 2024 Approved

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Grounding Yourself When Working with Electronics

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General Techniques to Ground Yourself

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Tips

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Warnings

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

How Do You Ground Yourself?

Touch a grounded object, like a water pipe or wood table, before working on your electronic device.
Wear an anti-static wristband to prevent static buildup and transfer any static charge to the ground.
Work in a humid room and stand on an anti-static mat to prevent electric shock.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Grounding Yourself When Working with Electronics

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This helps greatly reduce the incidence of electric shock. If working on a bare floor is not an option, consider applying a light coating of anti-static spray to the rug or carpet prior to handling electronics.
Pets with hair such as dogs, cats, and ferrets can increase the risk for electric shock if they come into contact with you or your electronics.

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Static electricity buildup occurs most frequently in dry, cold environments.
Items such as paper, plastic bins, and cellophane can all generate static when being moved around on your desk or workspace.
A grounded object is something that has a direct conductive path to the earth, such as a water pipe, wall, or wood table. When working with computers, the most ideal way to ground yourself is to touch the exterior metal box of your computer's power supply before unplugging the machine.
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Wear an anti-static strap or wristband. This device prevents static buildup by tethering you directly to your computer so the charge is shared, and discharging cannot occur.^{[1]
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- Wrist straps come with an alligator clip that creates a ground.
These types of mats, also known as ESD or grounding mats can help prevent electric shock. ^{[2]
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This prevents any electric currents from running through the machine as you work.
Electricity is normally transmitted via exposed pins, connectors, and circuitry located away from the edges of CPU and components.^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

General Techniques to Ground Yourself

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Dry, cold environments with low humidity levels generate a higher level of static electricity. Consider using a humidifier in your home or office to achieve between 35 and 50 percent humidity.
Wool and synthetic fabrics such as polyester, rayon, and spandex are more prone to rub together and create friction and static electricity. ^{[4]
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Dry skin causes static buildup, and can even cause your clothing 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.
This allows sparks from the discharge to affect the metal object, and not your skin. For example, touch a doorknob using a key instead of your hand at first to lower the risk for electric shock.^{[5]
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Tips

Consider storing computer parts and electronic parts in anti-static bags when not in use. This helps reduce and negate any static electricity the parts may encounter when being handled and moved around.

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Warnings

Always take steps to ground yourself prior to upgrading and working on computers, CPU, and other electronic devices. Failing to ground yourself can result in life-threatening electric shock, and can also permanently damage your computer and its components.

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