I disagree that to ground through the case (either by touching or by using a 
wrist strap) that you should have the power cord plugged in.

Just the opposite.  Unless  you know what you are doing, you should never 
have the power cord plugged in when you are working inside an electrical 
device!!!

The purpose of touching the case and/or using a wrist strap is to drain 
static electricity off of yourself so as not to damage any integrated 
circuits.  There is absolutely no need to have the case plugged in to serve 
as a ground.  Static electricity (free electrons) will tend to spread 
themselves out on the case and drain themselves off quickly at the corners 
and other sharp points.

Dean Kukral


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Thomas Mayer" <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, August 14, 2006 11:56 PM
Subject: Re: [PCBUILD] New here, need help BADLY!


You can either get a grounding wrist strap or, follow Thomas Harold's
suggestion to touch the case often as you are working. However, to
ground through the case, the power cord should be plugged in, if it is a
3 wire grounded connection, and then turn the power switch off on the
power supply and not just the case. Of course, no matter which method
you use, it is always best way is to avoid touching any contact points.

Tom Mayer


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