[Elecraft] ESD precautions?

[kce]

Yes and well you should. After reading it , I realize I should have
described it better. My RF ground is isolated from mains ground, I have no
equipment that is conductive and receiving AC from the main supply that
would be likely to become energized. Any tools are powered by not more than
13.8 VDC. What concerns me is the fact I have been seeing a lot of
suggestions on forums about using the equipment grounding conductor on
branch circuits for everything from radials on a vertical to connecting
braids for ESD directly to the grounding conductor. In short the grounding
conductor is to be used for equipment that is  receiving power from it NOT
RADIALS OR AS A DIRECT GROUND POINT FOR ESD.  Also on ground fault recpts
trust these as far as you can throw them. We usually end up replacing 40
percent of them during the first 60 days of use due to mfgr failures. To
properly test these things requires a tester that costs $375  not the $25
one Home Depot sells. In 30 years of engineering and contracting I have
learned two things.
1. If any doubt exists don't do it
2. I should be much more descriptive in my writing.


Ken W8OB
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Don Wilhelm" <w3fpr at isp.com>
To: <Elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sunday, May 23, 2004 1:08 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ESD precautions?


> I MUST take issue with the statement below, despite any credentials.  If
the
> AC supply safety ground is not intact, the proper answer is to FIX that.
>
> I can think of any number of equipment problems that could occur at a
> workbench that could result in a hot chassis.  When the AC mains safety
> ground is intact, such failures result only in a tripped circuit breaker -
> BUT if the AC safety ground is not functioning properly AND a person
touches
> a ground rod connection (or the workbench leg is connected to that ground
> rod) all it takes is one quick brush with that live chassis to create
> disaster.
>
> So, if you have a non-mains ground in the hamshack or work area, it seems
to
> me that you should be even MORE diligent about assuring that the AC mains
> grounding system is installed and properly functioning.  As has been
pointed
> out in this thread the outlet ground may not be connected, so do check it
to
> be certain and re-check it periodically.
> Yes, one should not trust it just because that grounding pin is present -
> MAKE CERTAIN THE GROUND IS INTACT, YOUR LIFE MAY DEPEND ON IT.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
>
> Tom being a electrical contractor I would never depend on the AC supply
> safety ground for a ground let alone connect myself to it. The results
could
> be shocking. I have two separate ground rods driven into the basement
floor
> here bonded together and separated 8 ft for my static grounds as well as
RF
> ground. Just too many things murphy can do to make that AC safety ground
go
> bad. At the very least connect your wrist strap to a metal table leg or
> such, that has no chance of becoming energized. Ken W8OB
>
>
>
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