Esd Wrist Strap and Footwear Tester

AnESD Wrist Strap and Footwear Testeris a specialized device designed to verify the electrical resistance of electrostatic discharge (ESD) protective equipment, ensuring they meet industry-standard safety and performance requirements.

Purpose and Function

The tester measures thetotal system resistanceof:

1. ESD Wrist Straps(including the wearers skin contact and grounding cord).

2. ESD Footwear/Heel Straps(including the wearers body and flooring system).

This ensures that the resistance is within a safe rangehigh enough to protect the user from electrical hazardsbutlow enough to safely dissipate static charges.

Key Features & Testing Parameters

• Resistance Measurement Range:

  • Wrist Straps & Grounding Cords:

    • Minimum Resistance:0.75 Megohms (750,000 )

    • Maximum Resistance:10 Megohms(some standards allow up to100 Megohms, depending on application).

  • ESD Footwear/Heel Straps:

    • Similar resistance range (typically0.75 100 Megohms).

• Test Method:

  • The user places their hand/foot on the testers metal plates while wearing the ESD gear.

  • The device applies a small, safe test voltage (usually9V or 40V DC) and measures the resistance of the complete path (including the wearers body).

  • APASS/FAIL indication(LED, buzzer, or display) confirms whether the resistance is within the acceptable range.

Why is Resistance Testing Important?

• Too Low Resistance (< 0.75 M):Risk of electric shock if exposed to live circuits.

• Too High Resistance (> 10-100 M):Ineffective static dissipation, leading to ESD damage in sensitive electronics.

Compliance with Standards

• ANSI/ESD S20.20(ESD control program for electronics manufacturing).

• IEC 61340-5-1(ESD protection in electronic assemblies).

• OSHA & NFPA Guidelines(worker safety requirements).

Typical Applications

• Electronics Manufacturing & Assembly(preventing static damage to PCBs, chips).

• Aerospace, Medical Devices, Automotive(ESD-sensitive environments).

• Cleanrooms & Laboratories(static control for sensitive instruments).

How to Use the Tester?

1. For Wrist Straps:

   • Insert the grounding cord into the tester.

   • Hold the metal button/strap contact firmly.

   • The tester checks if the total resistance (wearer + strap + cord) is within limits.

2. For Footwear:

   • Step onto the test plates while wearing ESD shoes/heel straps.

   • The device measures the resistance through the body and footwear.

Conclusion

Regular testing with anESD Wrist Strap and Footwear Testerensures that personal grounding equipment is functioning correctly, preventing bothelectrostatic damage to componentsandelectrical hazards to personnel.