Introduction and principle introduction of anti-static wrist strap
We have received a lot of inquiries about anti-static wrist straps: the purpose of the wrist strap, why there are different types, how to use the wrist strap, and so on. Therefore, today’s article will answer all these questions for you. If we are not mentioned in the article, please make sure you consult in the comments! let's start!
A common device for grounding personnel to discharge static electricity is an anti-static wrist strap, which is used to ground personnel. The wristband is usually a conductive wristband, which provides an electrical connection to the operator's skin, and then connects to a known ground point at the workbench or tool. Although the wristband does not prevent the generation of charges, its purpose is to dissipate these charges to the ground as quickly as possible. If the operator is sitting, a wrist strap is required. If the operator is wearing two foot grounders on a conductive grounded floor and does not lift both heels/toes at the same time, this is not necessary. Since some people lift their feet off the ground when they are seated, the wrist strap is very important for the seated person.
The anti-static wrist strap consists of two parts:
1. A wristband that fits comfortably on the wrist
2. Coil wire to ground the strap.
The key to the anti-static wrist strap is the close contact between the conductive belt and the skin, and of course the close contact between the coil wire and the ground. As long as the direct contact points between your body and skin are on your wrists, fingers, forearms, ankles, etc., it doesn't matter. The skin is continuous throughout the body. The wrist is just a convenient location to attach the wrist strap to it.
Types of anti-static wrist straps
The operator can choose between an elastic wristband and a metal wristband:
1. Elastic wristbands are the most popular wristbands because they are comfortable to wear and easy to adjust. They are also cheaper than metal wristbands.
2. Some people prefer metal wristbands because they usually last longer and are easier to clean.
The key to personnel grounding is to have enough grounding paths so that the potential difference between the human body and the ground will never exceed 150 milliseconds (ms) of human movement time. This kind of fast grounding can be achieved very well by elastic or metal wrist straps. Therefore, in terms of anti-static effect, there is no difference between an elastic wristband and a metal wristband.
Both elastic and metal wristbands can be adjusted (to a certain extent). Metal wristbands have fewer adjustments, so you will find that depending on the size of the wristband, you can usually choose different sizes of wristbands. However, if you need a tighter/loose fit, you can still adjust the metal wristband. To adjust the wristband, follow these steps:
1. Elastic wristband:
(1) Pull up the "tail" of the material protruding from the lock to open the lock.
(2) Tighten or loosen the elastic material through the buckle until the wrist strap fits comfortably.
(3) We recommend that you close the buckle and put on the straps to extend the excess tail for one day to ensure that the body is adjusted to fit, comfortable and maintain proper electrical contact with the skin before cutting.
(4) Test the wrist strap system to ensure proper resistance and skin contact.
(5) When you are ready to cut off the excess material, please mark the excess material to be trimmed with a pencil. Remove the wrist strap from your wrist. Open the clasp. Cut off the excess material, about 1/4 inch shorter than the pencil mark, so that the end of the material is covered. This will eliminate the possibility of wear.
(6) Fasten the buckle and use it as a fixed elastic wristband.
2. Metal wristband:
(1) Insert the link end of the wrist strap into the slotted opening on the cap. Insert it at an angle downward so that the link slides in the channel of the back plate.
(2) Change the size of the band by sliding the chain link in or out of the stainless steel back plate. For smaller sizes, you can use a cutter to cut off the excess links.
(3) Pull down the strap, fix the chain in place, and place the strap firmly on the edge of the back plate.
(4) Test the wrist strap system to ensure proper resistance and skin contact.