Where should the alligator clip be connected when working on a system?

Connecting the alligator clip to bare metal on the inside of the chassis is the most appropriate choice when working on a system. This practice is essential for grounding and ensuring the safety of both the technician and the equipment being worked on. By connecting to a bare metal surface, you create a direct path to ground, which helps to dissipate any static electricity that may have built up on your body or other components. This minimizes the risk of electrostatic discharge (ESD) that can damage sensitive electronic components.

Connecting the alligator clip to other surfaces, such as plastic casings, motherboard surfaces, or peripheral connections, does not provide a reliable ground. Plastic and other non-metallic materials do not conduct electricity and therefore cannot serve the purpose of grounding. This makes those options less safe and effective when working on electronic systems. Being grounded properly is a key best practice in the field of service technician work, and connecting to bare metal is the most effective way to achieve that.