ESD Wrist Straps
Grounding via the wrist
ESD wrist straps enable the permanent and controlled dissipation of electrostatic charges from the human body to earth potential.
They are an essential component of personal protective equipment in electrostatic protected areas (EPA) in accordance with IEC 61340-5-1.
EP0105001-VH
EP0105039
EP0105011-VH
EP0105040-VH
EP0105031-VH
EP0105003-VH
EP0105008-VH
EP0105027
EP0105028
EP0105030
EP0105029
ESD Wrist Strap
Grounding via the Wrist
ESD wrist straps enable the permanent and controlled dissipation of electrostatic charges from the human body to earth potential. They represent an essential component of personal protective equipment in electrostatic protected areas (EPA) per IEC 61340-5-1.
ESD Wrist Strap – Function and Construction
An ESD wrist strap consists of two components: the strap itself, which establishes direct skin contact, and the grounding cable with integrated 1 MΩ protective resistor. The protective resistor is required for safety reasons – it limits current flow to a safe level in the event of a fault, while simultaneously ensuring reliable dissipation of electrostatic charges. ESD wrist straps are connected to the central grounding point of the workstation via a snap fastener and must be regularly tested for functionality using an ESD personnel tester.
ESD Wrist Strap – Versions at a Glance
ESD wrist straps are available in various versions – depending on application area, wearing comfort and individual requirements:
- Elastic straps – Classic version with conductive elastic band, available in various widths and colours.
- Metal and stainless steel straps – Durable and hygienic, suitable for environments with heightened cleanliness requirements.
- Anti-allergic straps – Nickel-free version for persons with skin sensitivities or metal allergies.
- Straps with magnetic connection – Enable quick attachment and removal without loss of grounding connection quality.
- Single-use grounding straps – For visitors, auditors or temporary EPA access without reuse.
Standard Requirements and Regular Testing
Per DIN EN 61340-5-1 and ANSI/ESD S20.20, ESD wrist straps must be tested for functionality at least daily before the start of work. Testing is carried out using an ESD personnel tester, which measures the total resistance of the system – comprising strap, grounding cable and body resistance – and compares it against the normative limit values. The permissible total resistance per standard is between 750 kΩ and 35 MΩ. Defective or worn ESD wrist straps must be replaced immediately, as an interrupted or high-resistance strap no longer provides effective ESD protection.