Avoiding static buildup in PVC pipe case mod

DrFrag · 5th November 2009, 3:55 AM

I'm working on the design of a case mod that involves a fair bit of PVC pipe, and I'm wondering about the buildup of static electricity.

The speakers, in particular, would be built into T-sections of pipe. I expect the movement of air from the speaker cones is going to generate some static electricity back down the pipe. Not to mention if the case gets moved along carpet. As well as keeping the electronics safe, I don't want to get zapped every time I touch the thing.

Is there a way to cut down on static charge buildup?

One idea I have is to thread bare wire through all the pipes and ground them on the metal parts (where the motherboard backplane and drive bays are). Would this help at all?

Thanks!

anlashok · 5th November 2009, 4:23 AM

Acrylic cases have been around for sometime and I've heard no problems, there will be a improved version of my lego case to and static isn't something i'm worrying about. Air movement should be no real difference than what a fan would do. My only real thought is building speakers into the tower having to accommodate that size and weight (Im assuming kinda car stereo size since you are concerned with there airflow) plus those MAGNETS close to a harddrive.

curtiswwe · 5th November 2009, 5:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anlashok

plus those MAGNETS close to a harddrive.

Magnets would have to be extremely strong to affect the hard drive.. wouldn't they..?

DrFrag · 5th November 2009, 6:02 PM

Yeah, I'm pretty sure magnets are only a danger to floppy disks. Hard drives have shielding, which is why if you put something metal against a hard drive it doesn't respond to the internal rare-earth magnet used for the actuator.

Bastard Child · 6th November 2009, 10:43 AM

http://stores.shop.ebay.com.au/Train...ve-Paint.html_

EDIT: Or wrap it neatly in foil. In either case, ground it to your case with wire.

http://www.tarapath.com.au/manufacturers.cfm?CID=2269

JaC · 7th November 2009, 7:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by curtiswwe

Magnets would have to be extremely strong to affect the hard drive.. wouldn't they..?

Hard drives have some pretty strong magnets inside them. Static magnetic fields are not a problem.

5th November 2009, 3:55 AM	#1
DrFrag Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: South Australia Posts: 129	Avoiding static buildup in PVC pipe case mod I'm working on the design of a case mod that involves a fair bit of PVC pipe, and I'm wondering about the buildup of static electricity. The speakers, in particular, would be built into T-sections of pipe. I expect the movement of air from the speaker cones is going to generate some static electricity back down the pipe. Not to mention if the case gets moved along carpet. As well as keeping the electronics safe, I don't want to get zapped every time I touch the thing. Is there a way to cut down on static charge buildup? One idea I have is to thread bare wire through all the pipes and ground them on the metal parts (where the motherboard backplane and drive bays are). Would this help at all? Thanks!

5th November 2009, 4:23 AM	#2
anlashok Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,324	Acrylic cases have been around for sometime and I've heard no problems, there will be a improved version of my lego case to and static isn't something i'm worrying about. Air movement should be no real difference than what a fan would do. My only real thought is building speakers into the tower having to accommodate that size and weight (Im assuming kinda car stereo size since you are concerned with there airflow) plus those MAGNETS close to a harddrive. __________________ PCDB Demonica: Lego Project Box IRON Photographer - Info :: Fold For OCAU! RAM Chart :: RAM Timings :: Freeware Wiki :: LAN Index :: Asus EeePC 901 Review -ABIT- Ownage #9

5th November 2009, 6:02 PM	#4
DrFrag Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: South Australia Posts: 129	Yeah, I'm pretty sure magnets are only a danger to floppy disks. Hard drives have shielding, which is why if you put something metal against a hard drive it doesn't respond to the internal rare-earth magnet used for the actuator.