[Elecraft] Looking for static dissipative bench pad

[wb2srf at juno.com]

Using a conductor for a ESD ground pad is not a good idea.
 
Besides the obvious short circuit or electric shock hazard that could
occur.
 
I learned from taking ESD courses at Lucent Technology  and Motorola
where I was employed. that  slow gradient discharge of the static
electric buildup is required otherwise a high peak current can destroy
semiconductors. That is why it is called  (ESD) electrostatic dissipative
 
A properly designed ESD pad is essentially non-conductive at low voltages
because it has well over 1 MegOhm per square Centimeter of resistance.
 
The wrist bands have a 1 Megohm series resistance to allow a path to
ground and provide some safety to protect againest electric shock.
 
73,
Bob Johansen WB2SRF