ESD  Wrist Strap

Static electricity can be dangerous while working on computers and other electronic devices. The danger from static electricity continues even though the computer may be powered off, with the power cable unplugged. To ensure safety, it is important to prevent the body from conducting electricity. For this purpose, the anti static or electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap is extremely useful. Someone working on an open computer can have safe grounding which prevents electrostatic discharge, by wearing one of these innovative safety protection devices.

The ESD wrist strap typically is made of an elastic fabric band which includes very fine conductive material woven within. These conductive fibers are constructed of carbon filled rubber, while the wriststrap is attached to a steel plate or clasp. The grounding process does not stop here, but for additional safety the ESD wriststrap is used along with further equipment. An antistatic mat or static reducing plastic mat can be placed on the work area surface.

The ESD wrist strap is often connected to a 1 mega ohm resistor. This resistor prevents shock hazard while working with low-voltage computer parts but allows high-voltage charges to filter through. In order to protect the user of the wrist strap from higher voltages, extra resistance can be added, such as 2 mega ohm resistors on either end, or up to 4 mega ohm resistance in coiled cable form.

ESD Protection 

Extra protection can be provided, if necessary, by complementing the ESD wriststrap with heel and ankle straps. Though the secondary straps are not connected to specially grounded material, they are capable of dissipating the electrical charge on to special tiles. But such additional straps can only be utilized by factory workers operating in a special environment and is not available to someone working on an open computer at home. 

If you are considering opening up your computer and working on it for whatever reason, and if you would like to prevent the very real possibility of an electrostatic discharge from your computer, it is a very good idea to use ESD protection.  

Purchase of the ESD wrist strap protection would be simplest online. The internet is filled with sellers competing with each other for your business and you should be able to get a competitive wriststrap selection and price.  

Be sure to compare all features and prices when buying an ESD wrist strap online so as to make the most informed purchase. Be wary of cheap ESD wrist straps on the market, that lack good quality conductive fabric. High quality ESD wrist straps are available online for reasonable prices.