What it means
A charge can build up while moving over carpet or handling insulating materials. It can discharge into a sensitive component without an obvious spark. The strap needs skin contact, an intact bonding lead and the grounding arrangement specified for the equipment and ESD work area. It does not make live electrical work safe, and an unwired bracelet is not a substitute for a correctly connected ESD system.
How this affects everyday use
Loose contact, a damaged lead, an unsuitable attachment point or unprotected handling can leave a component exposed to static discharge.
A practical example
During a memory upgrade, a person wears a strap but leaves its lead disconnected; the bracelet alone provides no dependable bonding path.
What to check
- Read the device's service safety instructions before opening its enclosure.
- Check skin contact and the strap's lead, connector and approved grounding point.
- Use an appropriate strap tester where available and inspect the ESD mat arrangement.
Practical next steps
- Power off and disconnect the equipment as its service instructions require.
- Connect the strap and mat using the specified ESD bonding procedure.
- Handle circuit boards by their edges and retain suitable anti-static packaging.
Keeping it reliable
Keep insulating clutter away from the work surface and replace damaged ESD equipment. Leave power-supply internals and other hazardous electrical repairs to qualified personnel.