Re: [Nolug] Possible grounding/static electricity problem

Yes, voltage is a potential difference. When you ground yourself to the
case, you add yourself (since you are conductive) to the circuit. Since
the gadget you're plugging into the board is also now part of the
circuit, eveything is considered to have zero volts.

Modern CPU's have much smaller components, millions more of them, and
they run at smaller voltages, (mine is 1.6V) which is why it is so
important to unplug and discharge the capacitors (the tin can looking
things on the mobo). If the circuit has any charge, or is connected
elsewhere (its plugged in) you're asking for trouble.

Capacitors store charge. You can see this yourself. Unplug your
machine, and watch the power led (or an led on the board) when you hit
the switch. It often will blink.

-- 
Alex McKenzie     alex@boxchain.com     http://www.boxchain.com
T.E.Stirewalt wrote:
>   Probably showing my ignorance and lack of electrical engineering degree
> here, but...
> 
>   Isn't it the difference in electrical potential between the components
> (including the human) what counts as far as the computer parts are
> concerned?
> 
>   As I understand it, grounding merely lowers the potential to zero, which
> is probably safer for the human, but not essential to the computer's parts.
> Of course, if the human is the only thing grounded because the human is
> standing on the ground, the flow will be through the human, which is usually
> not a good thing for the human involved (though observers, co-workers, etc.
> may be entertained somewhat).
> 
>   I'm not really 'up' on the modern MoBo's and their connection to power
> supplies, but I believe I have read that manufacturers are recommending
> physically unplugging from the A. C. line when you add/remove stuff from the
> mobo.  I guess then you attach a grounding strap to the case, and wear a
> ground strap yourself, and unplug the power cable.  At least, that is what I
> do.
> 
> Tom Stirewalt  03 JUL 03
> 
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Ron Johnson" <ron.l.johnson@cox.net>
> To: "NOLUG ML" <nolug@joeykelly.net>
> Sent: Thursday, July 03, 2003 6:41 AM
> Subject: Re: RE: [Nolug] Possible grounding/static electricity problem
> 
>>If the case's power supply  isn't plugged in, what's the point of
>>touching it?  Where would the electricity go, if, for example, the
>>PC is on a wooden table?
>>
> 
> 
> 
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