OT Troubleshooting: Old computers with modern parts

[William Donzelli]

> Maybe.  I think the main reason for the 1 Mohm resistor normally used
> in wrist straps is safety: if you touch a live wire, you won't get a
> substantial current via the strap.

Certainly an issue, but it is the secondary reason. A lesser value
resistor could be used for this reason and still be reasonably safe,
however a decently sized resistor is needed for those multi-kV zaps.

Somehow I imagine that a comittee was formed, spent oodles of time and
money, and came up with 1 Mohm as a comprimise.

William Donzelli
aw288 at osfn.org