by Raleigh Stout

Created on: April 29, 2008

Computer static straps are used to equalize dangerous static electricity buildup that can damage sensitive parts during maintenance. The most familiar style is a wrist band strap that is connected between a wrist and the chassis of the computer being worked on.

Other styles of static straps include stand-on mats, chair mats, and computer monitor glare covers. In all instances the straps are connected to a common bonding point with the computer itself, usually an electrical grounding point.

The electrical voltage buildup from friction, such as a chair rolling on carpet, can energize the person sitting in the chair and pass along static voltage to a PC. Likewise, a person repairing a computer can transfer static electricity to a sensitive part, such as a memory chip or slot card. The voltage can scramble the computer inputs or send false data, even erase the existing data on the affected component.

The strap is designed to balance and equalize the differing voltages before they can affect a sensitive component, rendering it safe to repair or upgrade computer parts. The only trick is to get used to wearing the strap on a wrist and connecting it near to or directly to the parts being worked on.

For non-wrist straps, you generally connect the bonding wire from the device to the outlet cover plate screw at a nearby electrical power outlet. This will provide the common connection to the computing device via electrical ground. Using an electrical tester to verify the grounding is good would be a great idea. It is also important to repair and reconnect the missing ground if the strap becomes damaged so that the protection from static electricity will continue.

For wrist straps, you strap the band around your wrist and then you connect the wire directly to the chassis of the computer, preferably near to the point of work. The computer should be turned off and disconnected from power to avoid any electrical safety hazards to the repairer before connecting, or "bonding on" to the computer chassis.

Without any protective straps, it can be a little tricky to avoid passing along static electricity to the component being installed or the computer being repaired. In this case, you can turn off the computer and touch the chassis with your bare hand and fingers to balance the voltage there.

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