upgrading your Steam Deck or fixing parts in other devices typically requires that you ground yourself, as experts suggest. This is due to the potential buildup of static electricity between you and your environment, resulting from an imbalance of positive and negative charges in a material — specifically, your skin or garments. Normally, this static electricity may only result in a minor shock, like when touching a doorknob. However, if you happen to touch the metal or components within a computer or electronic device while harboring a static charge, it can discharge and create an electrostatic discharge (ESD) that risks damaging the part or device you are in contact with. Nevertheless, this can often be averted by using an anti-static wristband.
An anti-static wrist strap, like this $5 Arctic Eagle gadget available on Amazon, is specifically designed to ground you as advised by professionals. The interior of the strap contains a conductive yarn material that minimizes the risk of static discharge buildup or ESD. Initially, you attach a small alligator clip to an unpainted, grounded metal surface, such as the metal chassis of a desktop tower. Following this, any static electricity is dissipated through a line wire — the conductive element — and a built-in resistor with a resistance of 1 MΩ (megaohms) to 1000 MΩ. This configuration, which includes the resistor and the clip, grounds you while allowing any static charge to flow through you, the bracelet, and into the ground — via the clip. Upon reaching the grounded or “earthed” surface, it gets absorbed.
