I live in an apartment, pretty high up. The thing is its mainly carpeted. I don't know how scared i should be about the Static Electricity and how to to protect myself from it and the Arduino. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Anti-static wristband with proper grounding.
The height of your apartment is not relevant, but the carpets are a concern, especially if they are not made from natural fibres.
Do you have heating radiators, or other exposed pipework? If so, touch your fingers to that each time before you handle the Arduino and you should be fine.
You can get a wrist strap that connects to the earth pin of a power outlet (using a special socket, don't try to wire something up yourself!).
I did some research on the antistatic electricity wrist wrap. I'm worried because basically my entire house, (well apartment) is carpeted and its easy to build up static. I bought that antistatic electric wrist thing. I just have one really simple but confusing question. Where exactly can i connect the alligator to? I know its a non painted metal surface, but does that mean i can use my toaster? Does it have to be an electronic device connected to an outlet? Thanks! I'm sorry, English is not my first language!
Proper ground, such as a water pipe.
Not the ground of your power outlet, at least not directly, there exist special adapters for that to do this safely.
Be careful with the toaster - stick to the plumbing. But do you really need it? How about if, when working with a board, you touch a ground (a lamp or whatever) and then just don't shuffle your feet while working.
Spray the carpet with water and a bit of fabric softener.
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DannyIsOnFire14:
I did some research on the antistatic electricity wrist wrap. I'm worried because basically my entire house, (well apartment) is carpeted and its easy to build up static. I bought that antistatic electric wrist thing. I just have one really simple but confusing question. Where exactly can i connect the alligator to? I know its a non painted metal surface, but does that mean i can use my toaster? Does it have to be an electronic device connected to an outlet? Thanks! I'm sorry, English is not my first language!
No ..... it does not have to be connected to an electronic device at all.
The alligator clip is usually connected to the EARTH pin of power mains. But note that the metal chassis of some appliances are connected to the earth pin (if the appliance is plugged in that is), which is what the alligator clip is for..... for connecting to something that is not only metallic, but is also earthed.
The other side of the alligator clip has a resistor connected to it.... might be 1 Mega Ohm or something.....and the other side of the resistor has a wire that goes up to the wrist strap, and connects to some shiny metallic surface that is meant to touch your wrist.
Google this... "Anti Static ESD Grounding Wrist Strap Coiled Cable Kit UK Mains Plug Antistatic"
If you just use the 'dummy plug' anti-static wrist strap.... then that doesn't require an alligator clip at all..... because the wiring goes directly to the earth pin..... so no alligator clip needed.