[Elecraft] (OT) Grounding Mat

[Lew Phelps K6LMP]

yes, absolutely the grounding mat must be attached to a good ground, as well as the alligator clip on the end of the coiled wire on your wrist strap.

I think almost any brand will do, as long as it clearly states on the label that it is intended to prevent ESD (ElectroStatic Discharge).

For myself, since I had it handy, I use a large sheet of copper that is connected by copper braid to the ground bus in my shack --a 2" diameter copper pipe, about 3 feet long, which in turn is connected by 4/0 cable to a series of copper stakes driven six feet into the ground, and also tied (at the far end from the shack) to the ground wire on the household distribution panel. (NOT to the white wire or neutral side of the electrical lines -- to the heavy wire that connects the breaker box to actual "earth" ground. At a very minimum the mat should be connected either to a metal cold water pipe that is known to provide a good ground, or to the "green wire" on an electrical outlet, or to a station ground as I described.


Lew K6LMP


On Mar 24, 2010, at 6:41 PM, Chris Hembree wrote:

> Does your grounding mat need to be grounded along with your wrist strap?
> What type of grounding mat do you like best?
> 
> Thanks
> Chris W7CTH
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html