[Elecraft] ground static elec

[Don Wilhelm]

Jesse,

If your 'table mat' is really an anti-static mat, it should have a 1 megohm
resistor built into the attachment cord - check it with your ohmmeter.

It is OK to attach it to a utility grounding point - I remove the plate
mounting screw on a standard receptacle and attach the wire there (but make
certain it is actually grounded first by checking continuity to the ground
pin on a 3 prong socket - in the US, the center rounded pin should be
ground, but if you are not certain about it, check with an electrician or
someone who does know 'which pin is what' on the receptacles - there is
dangerous AC voltage on the pins - BE SAFE!  There are testers that simply
plug into a receptacle and show if the ground is connected and if the
receptacle is wired properly, I suggest that you obtain one and check before
sticking any probe into the rectangular holes in the receptacle.  If your
household wiring conforms to code, any metal parts associated with the
wiring should be grounded, but never trust it until you verify (by testing).
I wired my house myself and have a lot of confidence in the wiring, but I
still check to be certain - stuff can happen over time and ground
connections can loosen on occasion.

73,
Don W3FPR


> -----Original Message-----
>
> I saw a post a few days ago about this.  I have a table mat with
> snap on alligator clip.  I do not have unpainted metal ground.
> How exactly do I do this using a resistor and 3 prong plug ??
> 73 de Jesse W6JMM
>