"J. P. Gilliver (John)" wrote in message
...

In message , Mr Pounder Esquire
writes:
J. P. Gilliver (John) wrote:
In message , Mr Pounder Esquire
writes:
[]
Oh, I've always earthed myself to a radiator before I take the
desktop into the garage.

Good idea, but voltage is relative - it's more important that you
touch (an exposed metal part of) the chassis before touching anything
inside - in theory, it probably doesn't matter if you're at 1 kV, if the
chassis is also at 1 kV. (Well, I exaggerate for effect, but YKWIM.) If
the
chassis and you are both grounded, even better. Often achievable by
leaving the mains lead (US: line cord) plugged in, assuming it's a
3-pin plug.

I need to take it into the garage and take the panels off before I can
touch
the chassis. Then I have to find an earth.

That might be one case where, indeed, you and the chassis are at the same
potential (thus you're unlikely to cause damage by a discharge), even if
that potential isn't earth potential. (Although I'm surprised you don't
have a handy earth in your garage - don't you have power there, e. g. for a
battery-charger? If so, I'd _hope_ it has earth terminals!)


JPG


Ever been frustrated that you can't *disagree* with a petition? If so,
visit 255soft.uk - and please pass it on, too.

If you leave the machine plugged in and just turn the switch on the PSU to
OFF, the machine will still be grounded through the 3 prong power plug. So,
just touch a metal part of the machine before touching any electronic part
and both will be at the same potential.
You don't need to find a different ground such as a radiator, etc.
Don't fret about blowing a can of compressed air on the heatsink, just do it
and get it over with.

--
Buffalo