Features of anti-static bracelets

When working with electrical appliances, special protective bracelets are used to get rid of static electricity. Such products are easy to use, and at the expense of an affordable price everyone can use them (if desired). Let's talk about modern anti-static bracelets in more detail.

A special wrist strap fitted with a grounding cable is called an ESD wrist strap. According to GOST, a resistor is sewn into it, the resistance of which varies from 1 to 2 MΩ. To use the bracelet, it can be worn on almost any part of the body, as a rule, it is the wrist, ankle, and others. In order for the antistatic wristband to perform its intended functions, it is necessary to ensure tight contact between the metal plate and the skin. The clip in the form of a clothespin should be attached to the ground. This could be a battery, computer case, or an anti-static mat.

The main purpose is to protect items and equipment from electrical damage. Often these bracelets are used in conjunction with a soldering iron equipped with a grounded tip. It should be noted that while working with electrical appliances, a person also accumulates static electricity. You can get rid of it by using an anti-static strap.

Before using a protective accessory, make sure it contains a resistor. If this element is absent, the worker can be severely electric shock. A special mat that will do a great job with grounding is often included with the bracelet. So you can be sure that the electric charge will not damage microcircuits and other sensitive elements.

This device is often worn before repairing microelectronics. Using a protective wrist strap will help keep the circuit boards and chips intact. Also, such a bracelet will be useful for mounting, dismantling and transportation of computer hardware that is sensitive to electrical voltage. We are talking about sound and video cards, memory cards and other similar elements.

Even if the worker uses two hands, one bracelet will be sufficient to ensure the proper level of safety. Today, the bracelet is a reliable, practical and affordable means of protecting against static electricity. Many models are affordable and can be used at home.

Manufacturers offer several options for antistatic wristbands.

Metal models are versatile. Experts recommend them for use due to their reliability and excellent efficiency. These bracelets are a practical and easy-to-use grounding device.

The strap consists of individual links that tend to stretch. This is necessary so that the protective accessory fits snugly around a part of the human body. Due to its special structure, the strap does not need to be adjusted or fastened. It will stay securely on your wrist and any other part of your body.

When choosing a metal bracelet, you need to pay attention to the following characteristics:

• the ability of the belt to stretch and take its original shape;
• the presence of plastic links;
• the color of the product from the outside;
• the dimensions of the connecting button (the optimal indicator is 10 millimeters).

As a rule, high quality stainless steel is used for the manufacture of bracelets. From the outside, the product is covered with a special paint, which provides additional safety when using the accessory. Make sure that there are no electrically conductive elements on the work surface.

Currently, fabric elastic products are the most common and widely used in everyday life. Such a product attracted the attention of buyers for its affordable price and lack of additional service. If you put on the bracelet every day, it will retain its presentation and functions for a year. When choosing a fabric bracelet, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

• the presence of special fibers that conduct electricity;
• dimensions of the connecting button;
• the presence of a metal plate and a special cord in the form of a spiral;
• method of adjusting and fixing the strap.

In the manufacture of elastic bracelets, a special material is used, which has a certain density and elasticity. Conductive fibers are added to the base. They ensure tight contact of the bracelet with the skin over the entire area. A special length adjuster allows you to adjust the size of the accessory specifically for each user. Spiral wires are included with the bracelet.

Some brands offer a cordless bracelet. According to the manufacturers, such an anti-static accessory will provide adequate protection, and it is much more convenient to work with it than with standard models. Experts with experience in handling such products consider such bracelets to be ineffective. Many people think that such a product is intended for buyers who do not break down properly in physics.

The main feature of such bracelets is the presence of a scattering block, which was replaced by a wire with a terminal.

Many users who have decided to purchase an anti-static wrist strap are wondering about the correct use of the new purchase. According to manufacturers, using such products is easier than it might seem at first glance. It is enough to put the bracelet on the selected part of the body and provide the necessary grounding. Let's consider the correct use of the bracelet using the example of working with a computer. The protective bracelet must be put on the wrist, fixed if necessary, and the wire with the latch must be connected to the gearbox housing. Choose a metal piece without paint. Throughout the working time, the accessory needs to be on the wrist.

There are important rules to remember when using an ESD bracelet. An accessory manufactured to strict regulations must be equipped with a resistor. Resistance - from 1 to 2 Mohm. It is an important element responsible for limiting the electric current that flows between the body and the ground loop. It should be noted that the resistor does not interfere with the drainage of static electricity, but it does limit the current.

When working with a computer "filling", the bracelet is often pinned to the case. Several options are possible here.

• It will be a big advantage if the PC is connected to the network via a three-prong socket. In this case, a full and safe grounding is provided by the third contact. In this situation, make sure that the power cable was connected to the power supply from one end, and from the other - plugged into a standard 220V outlet. When assembling or dismantling hardware, the computer must be turned off.
• When working with a computer, be sure to remove the ATX connector from the motherboard. Also, experts say that it is necessary to turn off the power supply through a special toggle switch.
• It is worth noting that a certain charge of electricity always remains in the power supply. In it, the formation of duty tension occurs. After that, it is transferred to the motherboard and other parts of the computer. Because of this, it is not recommended to mount or dismantle boards. This is an extra precaution that should be heeded.
• In the event that there is no full-fledged grounding, then using a bracelet attached to the body, you can balance the potential difference between the worker's body and the PC body. In this case, it does not really matter whether it is a zero potential or not. If you touch the live parts of the computer, there will be no even the slightest discharge. A prerequisite is that the equipment must be disconnected from the mains. There is always a slight electrical voltage on the computer case, even if the equipment is turned off, but connected to the mains.

If grounding cannot be provided, grounding can be attempted. In this case, you will need a third contact in the socket. It needs to be thrown to working zero. Before starting work, it is necessary to accurately determine whether such a possibility exists in the wiring. Some experts do not recommend using this option, as it is difficult to implement. If the work is done incorrectly, the wiring can be damaged.

The main difference between the two methods described above (grounding and neutral grounding) is as follows:

• in the first case, safe conditions are ensured by a rapid decrease in electricity;
• when using the second option, the circuit section is disconnected, it is more unpredictable and complex.

In the next video, you will find a brief overview of the 8PK-611D-6 Pro'sKit antistatic wrist strap.