KitBuilder
Back to Glossary
maker

ESD Wrist Strap

What is an ESD wrist strap?

An ESD wrist strap is a safety device worn around the wrist that prevents electrostatic discharge damage to sensitive electronic components. It consists of a conductive wristband connected to a ground point through a high-resistance cord (typically 1 megohm), which safely dissipates static electricity from the user's body. This tool is essential when handling circuit boards, computer components, or other static-sensitive devices, as it maintains the user at the same electrical potential as the equipment being worked on.

Related Terms

ESD Mat

An ESD mat is an anti-static work surface made from conductive or dissipative materials designed to safely discharge electrostatic buildup. It provides a controlled path for static electricity to flow away from electronic components and circuit boards during assembly, repair, or handling. The mat is typically grounded through a wrist strap or grounding cord to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to sensitive electronic components. ESD mats are essential safety equipment in electronics workshops, manufacturing facilities, and any environment where static-sensitive devices are handled.