How to prevent static around the PC

April 12, 2007 7:35 AM

Static electricity fried my PC. How do I prevent it from happening again?

So I recently moved into a new apartment in an old, radiator heated building. In my first few days I noticed that there I was getting a very high amount of static shocks. There's no carpeting.. It was annoying and I made a note to get a humidifier, but it wasn't that big a deal. Until last night.

Before going to bed, I went to plug in my mp3 player into the USB port on the front of my PC to charge it. I heard a zap, the computer shut down and that wonderful burning transistor aroma filled the room. The motherboard was blown.

So after I get that replaced, I'm wondering what more I can do to prevent this from happening again. A humidifier is high on the agenda now, but is there anything else? Are there any kind of USB surge protectors? Anything?

posted by mkn to technology (2 comments total)

There are good solutions for this. Computer stores sell antistatic floor mats, for under your desk. You can get antistatic mousepads and touchpoints for your workspace, so that you just walk up, discharge, and continue working.

Call your local OfficeMax or office supply store, they'll have solutions for you.
posted by fake at 7:46 AM on April 12, 2007

You need to avoid electrostatic discharge (ESD). Before touching your computer you need to 'ground' yourself.

Get one of these.
posted by mand0 at 12:46 PM on April 12, 2007