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[ATITek]

I was working in my PC tonight due to a CD drive issue. I took the side panel off and then connected the alligator clip of my anti-static strap to the outer frame of my case. As soon as I did it I got a large blue spark of static discharge where the case and alligator clip made contact.

Where the spark occurred at the alligator clip and case, could that have damaged any of the components?
Thanks.

 

[criccio]

Of course. Have you found out?

 

[ATITek]

Of course. Have you found out?

The machine boots fine. I am more worried about latent damage.

The static discharged at the bottom corner of the case and not on any of the components. My components could still have been damaged? The closet one was my video card by about 4 inches give or take.

Now that I think of it, how is this any different than touching the case BEFORE you touch components inside the computer? Granted the door was off the side, but it was still at the outer main frame of the case.

 

[Nighted]

I was working in my PC tonight due to a CD drive issue. I took the side panel off and then connected the alligator clip of my anti-static strap to the outer frame of my case. As soon as I did it I got a large blue spark of static discharge where the case and alligator clip made contact.

Where the spark occurred at the alligator clip and case, could that have damaged any of the components?
Thanks.

Nope. You'd have more of a chance of winning the lottery I think. Any charge transferred through the chassis would be extremely diluted before coming into contact with sensitive components...which is impossible in a properly assembled machine as components are shielded from the chassis by design.

 

[engiNURD]

Indeed... should have gone through the common/ground path.

 

[PM650]

Now that I think of it, how is this any different than touching the case BEFORE you touch components inside the computer? Granted the door was off the side, but it was still at the outer main frame of the case.

It's not any different. Most ESD wrist-straps today have a cord that is resistive to prevent discharge like you experienced; they're typically 1MΩ, which is still low enough to drain off accumulated charge quickly.