[Elecraft] FW: RE: Antistatic work mat

[Don Wilhelm]

Gary (and all),

I could not agree more.  A fully conductive workbench surface is a very 
dangerous thing where power sources (of any voltage) are present.
Even at low voltages, current can KILL.  Consider molten metal spewing 
from a fault condition - it is not a pretty sight.  Batteries contain a 
lot of energy (yes even AA size batteries), that can be released 
instantaneously on a fully conducting surface.  I have seen that fact 
demonstrated under controlled conditions in a protected lab environment, 
and the results were shocking and explosive.

I know I will not convince some, but for the safety of others who might 
heed this warning, do all electronics work on a non-conductive surface  
with a properly designed anti-static mat over that non-conductive 
surface.  Your life and health may depend on it.

BTW, this applies to those who might think aluminum foil on the work 
surface might be OK too - it is not.  Damp newspapers may be a 
consideration, but definitely not a fully conducting surface.

Spraying Static Guard (anti-fabric-cling spray) would be a safer 
alternative to a fully conducting work surface, but for your safety, 
invest in an anti-static mat of any kind.  Even the inexpensive ones 
that do not pass the official test are better than nothing - wear a 
wrist strap too, your body will pick up a static charge as you move 
around - just how much depends on the type of fabric in your clothing, 
your chair or stool and the surface under your feet (carpeting or 
plastics are bad for static buildup).

73,
Don W3FPR

73,
Don W3FPR

Gary Hvizdak wrote:
> On Wed Jun 2 at 1931 EDT Mel Farrer (K6KBE) wrote ...
>
> "I personally use a workbench with a conductive surface, no mat, and test
> the bench and wrist strap EVERY time I work on sensitive parts."
>
> --
>
> Mel,
>
>     This subject has been beaten to death here on the Reflector countless
> times.  A conductive surface is a life-threatening safety hazard to you plus
>
> it provides absolutely no ESD protection whatsoever!  
>
>     BTW, your wrist strap tester is little more than an Ohm meter, except
> that it factors in your skin resistance.  (Twice in fact, once where your
> skin contacts the strap and once where you skin contacts the tester.
>
> 73,
> Gary  KI4GGX
>
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