O.T. Cleaning computer

J. P. Gilliver (John) wrote:
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!)

Plenty of power sockets in there.
Are you suggesting that I remove the cover off one of them, find the earth
and hold it?


JPG


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