Grounding question

[Prodo123]

I know I've been a big advocate of grounding yourself before swapping components, but I had a revelation. The outer pins of the MagSafe are ground pins, and the MacBook Pro is made of metal. Does that mean you can ground yourself simply by touching the unibody frame, or do you still need a wristband?

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Touching the frame will suffice, no need for a wristband (the first time I heard of this). I opened my Unibody MBPs several times and never needed more than to touch the frame, just make sure, you are not standing on a carpet I guess.

 

[Prodo123]

Touching the frame will suffice, no need for a wristband (the first time I heard of this). I opened my Unibody MBPs several times and never needed more than to touch the frame, just make sure, you are not standing on a carpet I guess.

I live in a carpet floor house, so yeah...
Also, PC building background gets this grounding paranoia imprinted in your mind, so gotta make sure. Thanks

 

[-aggie-]

All you need to do is touch the frame and then not move your feet after. I’ve never used a wrist band. Also, always have your computer plugged in, but off, or it’s not grounded.

 

[Shawnpk]

All you need to do is touch the frame and then not move your feet after. I’ve never used a wrist band. Also, always have your computer plugged in, but off, or it’s not grounded.

Even if your computer is plugged in, it might not be grounded. Grounded means connected to the ground. Some electrical systems in older homes are not connected to ground and therefore are not grounded.

 

[lindstedt56]

I have worked with computers on a regular basis for 10+ years and never had any problems with frying a component.

 

[ddavid]

If it is plugged in it is not grounded unless the 3 prong cord is used instead of the 2 prong wall wart attachment. In fact, I'm not even sure if the 3 prong cord is using the buildings grounding.

 

[Shawnpk]

If it is plugged in it is not grounded unless the 3 prong cord is used instead of the 2 prong wall wart attachment. In fact, I'm not even sure if the 3 prong cord is using the buildings grounding.

A 3 prong cord means there should be a grounding system in place, but doesn't necessarily mean there is a grounding system in place. There are a number of ways to check if a grounding system is in place but the easiest way is to purchase a plug tester. It will tell you if your receptacles have a ground in place and whether your receptacles are wired correctly. They cost around $4.

 

[Timur]

Even with the 3-prong plug Macbooks (Pro) are usually not grounded properly (at least not any I ever tested).