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I have a hard time finding a how-to.

I would like to set up a simple ESD mat and wrist wrap, but I am not sure about is the the 1 MOhm resistor should be, if at all.

Several options:

  • 1 MOhm from ground outlet to the mat, wire from the common earthing on the mat to the wrist wrap.

  • 1 MOhm from ground outlet to the mat, wire from another contact on the mat to the wrist wrap.

  • 1 MOhm from ground outlet to the mat, 1 MOhm from the same mat contact to the wrist wrap.

  • wire from ground outlet to the mat, 1 MOhm from the same mat contact to the wrist wrap.

  • wire from ground outlet to the mat, wire from another mat contact to the wrist wrap.

I am not sure why the 1 MOhm wire is needed since the mat itself already has that kind of resistance (as long as the wrist wrap does not connect to ground directly, but through the mat).

Which solutions above are ok? Which is best? Should I do something else instead?

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1 Answer 1

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It doesn't matter, as long as some resistance is there.

The resistor limits the current from the discharge to something that won't damage the device. The actual value of the resistor is mostly arbitrary, it should be large enough to properly limit the current from even an 1 kV difference, and small enough to eventually allow the potential to even out within a sensible timeframe.

Whether it's 500 kOhm, 1 MOhm or 2 MOhm is not that important, so use whatever is most convenient for you, ideally a configuration where the wire from the wristband doesn't catch on the soldering iron all the time.

I'm using a grounded ESD chair, which is even more convenient, but I've also seen ESD sandals and grounded floor plates.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ So what you are saying is that all combinations above but the last one are going to work? Also, I thought ESD chairs also required grounded floor? \$\endgroup\$
    – Gauthier
    Commented May 22, 2014 at 13:33
  • \$\begingroup\$ All of them work, but the first one is unsafe as it doesn't give any resistance between the wristband and the ground. That is not a problem unless you are using the ground from an electrical outlet, where a fault could then connect your wristband to the live wire. \$\endgroup\$
    – Simon Richter
    Commented May 22, 2014 at 14:05
  • \$\begingroup\$ The chairs do require grounded floor, or a cable to the nearest ground. \$\endgroup\$
    – Simon Richter
    Commented May 22, 2014 at 14:07
  • \$\begingroup\$ The first alternative was 1 MOhm from outlet ground to the mat, and wristband from that cable (where the ground cable attaches to the mat), so I believe there is 1 MOhm between the wrist band and the ground. \$\endgroup\$
    – Gauthier
    Commented May 22, 2014 at 14:17
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    \$\begingroup\$ 1 MOhm resistor is to protect the operator from becoming a conducting path. As such your statement of "Almost arbitrary" is misleading and potentially dangerous. Follow industry standards - especially safety standards. \$\endgroup\$
    – placeholder
    Commented May 22, 2014 at 15:46

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