Are there any minimum requirements when testing an anti-static wrist strap?
There are no pre-defined minimum requirements when testing an anti-static wrist strap, but a good rule of thumb is to test it every time you put it on or start another job. The frequency of testing depends on the ESD sensitive equipment you are trying to protect. If the equipment is quite expensive and controlled by an operator, frequent monitoring is necessary, but if the equipment is not particularly sensitive and relatively inexpensive, then periodic testing is sufficient.
Wrist Strap Tester
There are several things you should look for when testing an anti-static wrist strap: Make sure the wrist strap is in close contact with the wrist; the conductive fibers or metal/conductive material are close to the skin; the snaps on the metal buckle are well fitted, the snap connectors at the coil end should be well tightened, and the banana plug spring is elastic and in close contact with the banana plug jack. Other things to look for are: intermittent breaks in the coil (usually at the end), dirt, oil and shells welded to the inside of the strap (this will reduce the conductive properties of the strap). It is safe to apply 1-5 pounds of tension to the snaps on the metal buckle in the coil.