To start off: I was explaining to my friend that I don’t have a grounding point in my house (plumbing is PVC, outlets are gcfi protected only, not allowed to drive a grounding rod into the ground, etc…) and that I’ve just been handling sensitive electronics with just luck and preparation (humidity, moisturizer, no synthetic clothing, etc…) all this time. He told me to just wire myself to a good, multimeter tested, grounding point in a car and that will discharge any built-up static electricity. I’m not smart enough to argue with him on this subject but that doesnt seem the safest. Would that work or should I just keep doing my method? My understanding is that chassis grounding is essentially replacing wires with the frame so the outcome would just be connecting myself to the negative terminal of a car battery.

Tldr: I’m explaining my lack of a grounding point at home for sensitive electronics and is advised by my friend to wire myself to a grounded point in a car to discharge built-up static electricity. However, I’m uncertain about the safety of this suggestion and questions whether my current method of handling electronics with precautions is sufficient.

Edit: lmao people are really getting hung up on the no grounded outlet part. Umm my best explanation I guess is that its an older house that had 2 prong outlets and was “updated” with gfci protected outlets afterwards think the breakers as well. My understanding is that its up to code but I’m not an electrician. As for the plumbing I’m sure there’s still copper somewhere but the majority has been updated to pvc over the years. Again it’s not my house I don’t want to go biting the hand that feeds me. Thank you though, haha

Edit #2: thank you all so much for the helpful advice, I really appreciate all of you!

  • Em Adespoton@lemmy.ca
    21·
    9 months ago

    Rental properties usually have to comply with electrical standards, including grounding. If they don’t, then dropping a grounding spike isn’t going against any municipal bylaws, just the building manager.

    If the building is grounded, you could patch into the grounding line (in NA, that’s the domed slot on an outlet) — but I’d advise against it if it’s a multi-tenant building, as you have no clue what others have connected to ground.

    As long as the battery is disconnected, a car sounds like a great option, as it can easily take the amperage you’re likely dealing with. Even with the battery connected, a car should work as long as you’re confident there aren’t any grounding faults in it (test first).