Antistatic and ESD wristbands; ESD standards are simple but highly effective solutions that comply with EN 61340-5-1 and ANSI 20.20 and are suitable for grounding personnel within EPA areas. Wired, wireless, metal, anti-allergic, disposable, etc. there are multiple varieties. The right product should be determined and selected based on the application and needs requirements. We hope this article will help you in choosing an antistatic wristband and will also eliminate some well-known mistakes.
Wired wristband; The cord is designed as a flexible spiral cable to allow the user to work comfortably. There is a 1 Mohm resistor inside the cable to ensure safe discharge. The end part of the cable that connects to the ground line is of 2 different types as banana+crocodile or 10 mm female snap and is connected to the grounding connection points in accordance with the standard used on the work desks. The wrist strap is made of flexible fabric containing antistatic fiber and is adjustable according to the wrist.
Metal Antistatic Wristbands have the same function as wired wristbands. It is another wired wristband alternative with a flexible swatch strap made entirely of metal. Since it is metal, it is more resistant to rupture, tear and wear compared to fabric, it can be preferred because it is long-lasting. However, the possibility of employees having metal allergies should definitely be considered and should be preferred after a risk assessment.
Anti-allergic wristbands are yet another type of corded wristband option. It is designed for personnel with metal allergies mentioned above. Since there is metal in the part of the wrist strap of standard corded wristbands where the cable connects, allergic reactions may also occur in the use of standard antistatic corded wristbands.
Wireless wristbands contain a 1 Mohm resistor that ensures safe load discharge. However, since there is no ground connection, the static charge accumulated in the body must be safely discharged to the ground by contacting the screw on the appropriate ground line frequently. Here are the questions that come to mind; "What should be the application period?" , "How soon should a grounding be done?" etc. will be. There is no clear answer to this. Because; As a human electrical circuit element, capacitor (capacitor) has the property of behavior. The static load sourced energy stored in the body is proportional to the static load created in the environment and will be different for each business and personnel. Therefore, these questions; "The more frequent grounding can be done, the more effective it will be." It is much more correct to answer as. Wireless wristbands should be preferred mostly for personnel on the move and people who will enter and exit the ESD protected area for a short time (visitor, technical service, etc.).
Cihan Ceylan
Sales and Marketing Director / Physics Engineer
