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From: straka@ihlpf.ATT.COM (Straka)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac
Subject: Re: ESD causes degenerative brain disease in Mac IIs
Message-ID: <2737@ihlpf.ATT.COM>
Date: Tue, 10-Nov-87 09:23:10 EST
Article-I.D.: ihlpf.2737
Posted: Tue Nov 10 09:23:10 1987
Date-Received: Fri, 13-Nov-87 20:56:51 EST
References: <2853@batcomputer.tn.cornell.edu>
Reply-To: straka@ihlpf.UUCP (55223-Straka,R.J.)
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories - Naperville, Illinois
Lines: 28
Keywords: ESD, static, Mac II

In article <2853@batcomputer.tn.cornell.edu> eacj@tcgould.tn.cornell.edu (Julian Vrieslander) writes:

>and chairs.  If and when you go inside the case, it is wise to have the
>machine grounded (plugged into a grounded outlet), to put it on a
>conducting grounded surface, and to keep a grounding strap on your body (I
>run a wire with alligator clips from my metal wristwatch band to the
>chassis). ...

WAIT A MINUTE.  HERE WE GO AGAIN!!!
Do not, I repeat DO NOT EVER ground yourself directly to REAL ground,
ESPECIALLY with the machine PLUGGED IN.  This can cause DEATH (and quickly!)
if you touch the wrong place in the machine.

The proper, SAFE way to do it is to connect the ground prong of the machine
with an alligator clip or some such means to ground (but do not plug the plug
into a live outlet).  Then, somehow put ~1MegOhm of resistance between yourself
and ground.  A well designed static wrist straps has this built in (measure it
yourself unless you are sure).  The 1MegOhm is enough to dissipate any static
buildup, yet keeps you from being a high current path to ground if you touch
something you shouldn't.

By the way, I try to avoid working on live electronic equipment when I can.
When I must, I ALWAYS keep one hand in my pocket (usual;ly the left one).
Think about it.  The reason should be obvious.
-- 
Rich Straka     ihnp4!ihlpf!straka

Advice for the day: "MSDOS - just say no."