Which method is commonly used to prevent ESD damage when handling computer components?

Using an ESD wrist strap is a widely accepted practice for preventing electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage when handling sensitive electronic components. The wrist strap is designed to safely ground the person wearing it, effectively equalizing the electrical potential between the individual and any computer components being handled. This helps to prevent the buildup of static electricity that could discharge and cause damage to the components, which are often vulnerable to such discharges.

When using an ESD wrist strap, one end is typically attached to the wrist while the other end is connected to a grounded surface or object. This ensures that both the user and the components maintain a zero potential difference, significantly reducing the risk of ESD damage during the handling and installation of delicate parts such as RAM, motherboards, and CPUs.

In contrast, other methods like wearing rubber gloves or working on plastic surfaces do not provide a direct grounding mechanism, which is essential for ESD protection. Rubber is an insulator, which may actually increase the risk of ESD if the individual does not take further grounding measures. While working on a wooden workbench can reduce static build-up compared to synthetic surfaces, it still does not ensure proper grounding. Thus, an ESD wrist strap remains the most effective and reliable method for minimizing