Grounding wrist strap
A grounding wrist strap is a simple device that protects the computer parts from any static sparks that are channelled from a human body.
The static energy occurs from the short contacts between certain materials, for example clothes and human body, shoes and carpets, shoes and floors, hair and plastic. A grounding wrist strip not only stops the static sparks from damaging the computer parts, but also prevents it from building up.
A grounding wrist strap is usually made of conductive fabric and it’s worn around a person’s wrist. It connects to a small metal piece, connected to a cord that is also connected to a crocodile clip, that is, in turn, connected to a ground. This way, the static charge accumulated in the human body is discharged through the anti static band, flowing through the plate and cord, and then going through the crocodile clip, finally channeled to the ground. The majority of upgraded computer and electronic systems are built up to resist electrostatic discharge, but still, this is not 100% safe. Therefore, you are strongly advised to wear a grounding wrist strap.
If the static electricity is not released through an antistatic source like the grounding wrist strap, it can accidentally be released into various objects that the person comes in contact with. Some modern PC and electronic components can be provided with ESD resistance devices, though the protection is not sufficient. All Ram sticks, processors, hard drives and other component can be seriously damaged if not protected at a 360-degree level.
Before wearing a grounding wrist strap, follow these instructions:
- - plug the banana plug on the end of the Coiled Cable into the ground on AC power strip
- - lift the latch on the side of the plastic holder and adjust it to the size of your wrist, and snap the latch
- - pull the wrist strap into your left wrist, turn it around, make sure that the inside metal plate is against the skin on the inside of your left wrist
- - open the alligator clip and place the round opening into the metal stud of the grounding wrist strap and release the clip
- - remove the wrist strap with the alligator strap when you are sure you have finished working with computer components
- - a very important thing, never use a grounding wrist strap when dealing with CRT monitor, it is highly dangerous and it can produce serious injuries or even death. Monitors can retain a 40,000 voltage and imagine what if this amount of electricity is released while you are working with a monitor.
The costs for a grounding wrist strap are not very high, you can get a good grounding wrist strap from 4 or 5 dollars, the cheapest models. Considering the great importance it has for your own safety, keeping you safe and sound from injuries related to electricity discharge and PC components damage, purchasing a grounding wrist strap is greatly important. And this kind of equipment is very expensive, it’s not worth risking dealing with PC components while not protected with a grounding wrist strap.