I just received an ESD Wrist Strap. My question is: Where is the best place to attach it? It has an alligator clip at the end and I currently have it attached to my computers desktop case. Is that sufficient or is there a better choice? Thanks in advance...
Definitely attach it to something that is electrically connected to what you are protecting (laser diode), and everything that will touch it (eg. soldering iron)
el-taco said:
From what I hear, close to the PSU on the case is the best bet
That's ridiculous. It doesn't matter where you attach it on the same chassis. It's not like there's going to flow a mega ampére that creates a few volts difference. Usually the connection needs only to be a few hundred kilo ohms, such that static electricity will dissipate. (the skin alone is a few kilo ohms)
If you take a spare power cord from something like a computer power supply, (while its unplugged) cut off the female end and strip it back and you will see
White (or blue) - Neutral
Black (or brown) - Hot
Green - Ground
Tape the neutral and hot wires back and make sure they are covered from touching anything or each other. Then strip back a little of the green wire and solder the tip of it. Then you can clip right to that and plug it into the nearest outlet to which you are working.
My friends get a little worried when I’m wearing that strap and I ask them to plug me in!
Holey Smoley...I don't think I'll be trying the k-shell mod. I'd definitely shock the crap out of me, plus it just wouldn't look right. But I'm sure it would work. Here is a picture of me in my anti-static outfit after plugging in my ESD wrist strap
hi there
would it work to have a double ended crocadile clip wire and put one end on a computer and the other onto a metal strap wrist watch - will this have too much resistance? how will i check that i am infact grounded
hi there
would it work to have a double ended crocadile clip wire and put one end on a computer and the other onto a metal strap wrist watch - will this have too much resistance? how will i check that i am infact grounded
My wrist strap is 1 mega-ohm. i think they make them that way so if you touch something that could kill you it won't go through the wrist strap. its the current that kills you but current doesnt like high resistance. (. but the high static voltage will drain through the 1 mega-ohm.
I think you would be okay with your idea. use a DMM and measure between a good ground and your finger furthest away from the strap. as long as theres a reading, theres a path...
