Screws to Mount Modules - Grounding Purpose?

[LunchBoxHero]

I have often wondered if it might not be easier to use nylon cap screws to mount modules? It would allow for easier swapping of modules (no screwdriver), they're relatively cheap, and you could be guaranteed that you would never strip out your lunchbox frame by mis-threading a screw. Instead the nylon would get chewed up, you throw the screw out and use new one.

Is there any reason way this would be a bad idea? Does screwing the module into the frame with a metal screw serve some grounding or other purpose or is all the proper grounding achieved via the edge connector and having a module well-seated and firmly screwed in?

thanks.

[Ian @ Standard Audio]

The 500 series spec has a chassis ground pin (I suspect that all of these pins tie to the rack power supply chassis connection inside the PS). I don't think that the screws on the front have anything to do with grounding. The module should be electrically connected to ground via the chassis pin when inserted into the rack.

I like your idea about the nylon screws for modules. It would be nice to not really worry about stripping out the rack. Keep in mind that some manufacturer's adherence to the 500 series spec may or may not be strict FWIW.

Ian M.
http://www.standard-audio.com

[pan60]

something to consider, if the head of cap screw gets stripped it might be more difficult to get out?
i use the 4 x 40 x 1/16 allen heads, and the allen tool is so small, it would take some effort to strip.

[LunchBoxHero]

Yeah... I may just go with some nice high quality black :D caphead hex screws - metal. I am going to do a little experimenting and will report back.
LBH

[pan60]

i have been thinking about ordering some captive screws, at least for the units i keep.
for testing and reviews i will start the machine screws but not tighten all the way down.

[Denyle]

Try McMaster-Carr part # 91882A216 for a tool-less option.

Lunchboxes have the chassis ground tied to the power supply, but if you encounter a module that grounds a pot to the front, it could be an issue, rare as that may be. Ideally, the front & L-bracket or enclosure will be connected to the ground so that the enclosure serves as a shield.

[pan60]

Try McMaster-Carr part # 91882A216 for a tool-less option.

Lunchboxes have the chassis ground tied to the power supply, but if you encounter a module that grounds a pot to the front, it could be an issue, rare as that may be. Ideally, the front & L-bracket or enclosure will be connected to the ground so that the enclosure serves as a shield.

those are nice but on some of the units they can get in the way: (~
i have a few of those: )~