Acrylic case EMI/static discharge concerns

[serenity]

Hey there;
I recently had the idea of putting together a Bawls case mod consisting of real bawls bottles and LED lights to make it look pretty.

I purchased a clear blue acrylic case from NCIX as I thought it would be the best way to make the case 'glow'.
It's clearly not the best case for preventing EMI (electromagnetic interference) or static discharge and there are obviously better cases out there for that. But for this particular mod, it's perfect.

All the components will obviously be grounded once attached to the power supply, but the case is completely plastic and does not provide any sort of grounding or protection from EMI.

Any suggestions as to how I could protect the components inside from EMI or static electricity? (which doesn't involve getting a new case)

P.S. I will post pics when I am done the Bawls mod

[enaberif]

you can't its plastic.

its a dust, static, and grease magnet.

[serenity]

yes I realize that.
But I know there's a way of grounding everything without using the case...

[MpG]

Any necessary grounding can generally be done by running wires from component to component, although the clear case means that you'll have to work some magic to keep them from standing out. But you're pretty much hooped where EMI is concerned.

[biff]

All components will be grounded when installed and connected to the PSU. You don't need to protect your components from EMI unless you're getting some 'hum' from your sound and just be aware of the static issues when handling/installing components (i.e. any sort of conductor from you to ground). You can strip a long peice of wire and attach it to the case of the psu and wrap it around your wrist for example. And NO wool sweaters.

Other than that don't worry about too much. Acrylic cases have been around a long time and if there were any issues that couldn't be dealt with using common sense then I'm sure they would've disappeared long ago too.

[SugarJ]

Line it with tin foil, and attach a ground strap!!


sorry, too many beers tonight. But if you're truly worried about EMI, a grounded wire grid inside the case should work. I don't think you'll have any issues though.

[NyteOwl]

EMI shielding is not so much to protect the computer components as it is to prevent the RF and EMF noise they generate from interfering with other things like radios, stereos, televisions, telephones and other thigns that can be susceptible to interference.

[serenity]

hey thanks for all the responses guys!
It sounds like I don't have to worry about static as long as I'm careful when installing everything (which I always am)
As for EMI, I won't worry about it if it doesn't do long term damage to any of the actual components.
Like I said, I'll post pics when I'm done with the mod... BAWLS FTW!

[MacJunky]

Originally Posted by SugarJ

a grounded wire grid inside the case should work.

If done properly that might look quite unique. Someone should now do it. :P