I'm in the process of modding. I've been designing a series of internal panels (or baffles) which will redirect airflow around the inside of the computer case. The materials I've been thinking of to make the panels are acrylic/ perspex, or anodised aluminium sheeting.

I was wondering about the build-up of static charge. If I use acrylic panels, I imagine the airflow past them could build up a static charge, which in turn may potentially damage my components.

Is a build-up of static charge likely to happen?

If so, what would you suggest to stop the build-up of static? I was thinking of running a ground wire over each panel, but I don't know if this will work. Will static charge from the acrylic surface be discharged via the ground wires, or is it only going to work if used with metal panels?

Alternatively, if there are any other ideas let me know. Such as anti-static spray coatings or suchlike.

I support this question
Also: when we glue back the mother board stand offs, can this create a grounding problem for the mobo?
I was thinking that if the standofs where used as earth with the case, and we isolated them with glue.. Something along thses lines. Anyone knows?
I plan on making Mac Pro Air guides in lego (maybe) BTW

Use a paper if you afraid of static charges There are many plastic components inside the PC case. But non ever caused any problems with static charges.

If any static charge persist, it should not do any harm unless it is directly connected to any of the MB components. Your personal static charges are more dangerous.

if your Power Supply has the on/off switch on the back, turn it off, and leave the case plugged in while you work on it, that would prevent static from being a problem. I've worked with computers for the past 8 years or so, i have still never seen a computer killed by static shock. I frequently put my parts out on the carpet while I'm working on the floor, as desk space is limited...it doesn't phase me at all, because the chances of something going wrong are extremely slim.

Thanks for the replies

It's mainly a Physics topic I suppose. I'm not concerned about discharging static when I open up the case, but whether a charge will build up over time as the dry air passes over the surface of plastic.

But as you say, there are many plastic components inside already. I'm hoping it won't be a problem if the surface is touching the bare circuit solder pads either (well, we shall see!).

Maybe you can ground the plastic sheets to the case..

Yes, that was my original idea. But what I wanted to know was whether that would work or not - if acrylic is an electrical insulator, doesn't that mean it can't be grounded?

I'm trying to get my head around it all, its quite confusing.

I have a Mac Pro without the fan block and air guide, thought some time of lego, but too expensive, thick folded aluminium needs tooling and is difficult.
Thermo Plastic sheets could give a nice result and be easier, but then there is the thermo part of the equation. On the Mac Pro the CPU/ram covers aren't in plastic.