Static electricity and consoles

[Arrrhalomynn]

Often, after a long bout of gaming, I end up being static electrical charged. I think it's because of my couch. So when I get up to turn off the console, or when I walk up to my computer and turn on the screen, I get a little shock and a spark.
Not only is this very annoying, it also makes me wonder wether this can break my electrical equipment in any way.

[den68]

well it can't be good. maybe you should touch something else first to discharge yourself.

[bum-man]

It doesn't happen often but it can trash your systems.  Back a few years ago I used to have to wear a antistatic wristband to work on some Sun Sparc systems.  They used to sell antistatic mats for under your chair and a little plate that you would keep on your desk to touch before you touched your system.  I don't think you need one of those things but if you try to touch something else before the system to discharge the static you should be cool.

[Sauza12]

Yeah, most systems have some sort of static shielding on them, but with older systems you can never be sure that the shielding is still in premium condition.  Just touch a doorknob on the way to your system and you'll be cool.

[Tynstar]

well it can't be good. maybe you should touch something else first to discharge yourself.

If you do that just don't tell use about it.  

[Arrrhalomynn]

If you do that just don't tell use about it.  

You sick pervert . I usually try to touch something else first, but it's an easy thing to forget.

[Tynstar]

You sick pervert

Thanks!

[Zimbacca]

Yeah, it can damage you're systems and your computer.  So just do what everyone's been saying and touch a doorknob or something before turning off or on your system or computer.

[den68]

well it can't be good. maybe you should touch something else first to discharge yourself.

I guess if you want to discharge yourself you would have to touch "something" first.

thanks Tynstar, I walked right into one of those situations I so like to make jokes about myself.

[Tynstar]

I guess if you want to discharge yourself you would have to touch "something" first.

thanks Tynstar, I walked right into one of those situations I so like to make jokes about myself.

Hey on problem. If you don't make fun of yourself then you can't make fun of anyone else.

And static is bad like everyone has said. Thats why they make anti static wrist bands for people that work with electronics.

[Hydrobond]

Im kinda curious as to how you are getting a shock if all the outer parts of the console are plastic.  And the amount of charge that can build up on the human body can certainly do damage to a bare pcb, but you should be ok with the plastic shell.  Still, better safe then sorry.  

If you are truely worried, you can always immerse the console in a vat of non-conducting gel.