Anti static mat and anti static wrist strap?

jakeGT · Jan 10, 2011

Is it necessary to use both? Or does one just work and which do you prefer? An I know they have a clip to ground it with . What do you ground it to and how? I don't want to fry diodes on my first build attempt so please any and every response will be useful. Thanks!

Leodahsan · Jan 11, 2011

I think that the anti static clip should be grounded with.. the floor

something really close, metallic and big, to the ground. I think only 1 is enough

Coherent Light · Jan 11, 2011

You should use both, and you can ground the mat to the center screw of an electrical outlet face plate.

Leodahsan · Jan 11, 2011

whatever he said, obviously 2 is better than 1

... the center screw needs a house ground copper bar.. right? I saw a engineer installing one here.. 1M long, a VERY long time ago.

Coherent Light · Jan 11, 2011

The center screw grounds to the outlet, and the outlet itself should have a ground on it if it's up to code.

jakeGT · Jan 11, 2011

So I unscrew the center screw a little but and just clamp Te alligator clip on there? And what do I clamp the clip from the wrist strap to? The mat?

Coherent Light · Jan 11, 2011

The mat should have a place to hook up the wrist strap. You can use the clip on the screw, but I always put a terminal log on my mats as I think it makes a better connection. Another way to ground the mat is to clip it to the metal case of a desktop pc. If you go the pc route make sure the pc stays plugged into the outlet.

Bionic-Badger · Jan 11, 2011

I've never actually used one whenever I've worked on electronics, but it really depends on your environment and if it's prone to static build-up. I've had (mother)boards fry at places with very staticky carpet and that always sucked, but my current space has little static.

As a precaution I will touch my metal desk prior to handling any static-sensitive items. Usually that's enough to dissipate any charge that might be on my body. Usually what will fry your diodes is not discharging your capacitors, so prior to any hookups I short the two leads that will be soldered to the diode.

jakeGT · Jan 11, 2011

Cool, clip it to your computers metal case, sounds easy enough, and keep all my stuff on the mat eg:soldering station, helping hands, diode, host driver all that good stuff correct?

Coherent Light · Jan 11, 2011

It is usually convenient to keep all the dodads close by, but you really only need to keep stuff in actual use on the mat. I use the case method myself if I'm in a hurry, and it's just a quick job. The problem with ESD is worse in the winter with the heater drying out the air inside. If you don't have a mat and strap the next best thing is to discharge yourself as BB said.

Benm · Jan 11, 2011

jakeGT said:
Cool, clip it to your computers metal case, sounds easy enough, and keep all my stuff on the mat eg:soldering station, helping hands, diode, host driver all that good stuff correct?

Make absolutely sure your computer is using a grounded mains court and is connected to a grounded socket though, otherwise you'll set half mains voltage onto everything.

If you use a mat and a wristband, just make sure they are connected to the same proper ground. And proper grounds do not include things like faucets, radiators or similar solutions. While those things are generally -grounded-, they are not -grounds-. The difference between them is that a proper ground connection must be reliable (like the ground pins in a grounded mains outlet). Things like taps cannot be relied on since at some point someone could replace a piece of the piping with plastic, severing the connection.

Coherent Light · Jan 11, 2011

Benm is correct, however I haven't seen a PC power cord without the 3rd ground in years and years. Don't use those adapters that take a 3 prong and make it a 2 prong, and you should be fine. BTW all the proceeding information is for the U.S. and not the rest of the world.

Bluefan · Jan 11, 2011

Proper grounding is also usefull for measurements, when I touch the tip of my oscilloscope probe I see a large 50hz sine. None of the outlets in my room is grounded, which is pretty irritating sometimes.

Flaminpyro · Jan 11, 2011

All proper wrist straps and connecting wires have a 1 meg ohm resistor built in so incase you come into contact with the mains you are not directly grounded !
So never try to attempt to make your own unless you know what you are doing.
The 1 meg ohm resistor still shunts static to ground and saves your diodes and electronics from harm.

The way I do it is I have a large sheet of conductive foam the type you stick components into and it is grounded to my lab power supplys ground terminal.
If I did not have this I would be using anti-static spray and would spray my work area and clothing, it realy works I have used it !
I use only a grounded anti-static soldering iron.
if you have a grounded mat some spray and a grounded iron you should be fine

If anyone is interested in some sheet conductive foam I have sheets of it up to 3' x 4' @ $1.50/sq ft

BTW it's freiquin 28deg outside right now, Burrrrr

jakeGT · Jan 11, 2011

28? Was 20 here earlier
I'm colder than a well diggers butt.

LORDJET · Jan 14, 2011

Very good useful information in this thread! It answered some questions I had:beer: Oh by the way.... It is officially 7 degrees here in Asheville NC this morning!!

Anti static mat and anti static wrist strap?

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