How To Use an Anti-Static Wrist Strap
When you’re working with static-sensitive components, the smallest oversight can cause damage you may never see until it shows up in the field as a failure. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is invisible, unpredictable, and avoidable.
One of the simplest ways to control ESD? A properly used anti-static wrist strap. Let’s walk through how to use one correctly, why it matters, and what to watch out for.
What is an Anti-Static Wrist Strap?
An anti-static wrist strap (also called an anti-static wrist band or ESD wrist strap) is a small but critical grounding device.
Its purpose is to safely discharge any built-up static from your body. It’s part of the personal grounding system used in ESD-safe environments. The strap is typically worn on the wrist and connected via a cord to a known electrical ground.
When worn and connected properly, it keeps your body at the same electrical potential as the equipment you’re working on-preventing any static discharge that could damage sensitive parts. It will also discharge off any static charge that is actively being built through the resistor.
Step-by-Step: How to Use an Anti-Static Wrist Strap
Follow these expert tips and proven best practices to get the most protection from your anti-static wrist strap. Each step is designed to help you wear, connect, and verify your strap correctly—so you can work confidently knowing your sensitive components are safe from static damage.
- Wear it on bare skin.
- Skin contact is essential for grounding. Your skin is the path to ground, so the strap must make consistent contact.
- Best worn with the buckle on the inside of the wrist to prevent interference from hair.
- Adjust so it’s snug but comfortable—never over clothing.
- Attach the grounding cord.
- Snap or clip one end to the strap.
- Attach the other end to ground.
- Verify the ground connection.
- The mat and wrist strap will be useless unless connected to a grounded outlet or confirmed ground source no matter what
- Connect to one of the following worksurfaces to allow a path
- A grounded ESD mat
- An ESD ground adapter in a properly wired wall outlet
- A grounded chassis (if approved in your facility’s ESD control plan)
Always test the connection if you’re unsure—never assume.
Where to Connect an Anti-Static Wrist Strap
This is one of the most common questions we hear, and for good reason. If your strap isn’t properly grounded, it’s not just ineffective, it can give you a false sense of safety.
Always connect to a known ground, such as:
- Grounded ESD mat: Many workbenches include mats with built-in grounding points. If the mat is not connected to a grounded source, it will not work.
- Wall outlet adapter: A banana plug adapter connected only to the ground pin (never to hot or neutral).
*The outlet adaptor is a standard plug. You will need a banana jack ground cord in order to plug into the adaptor (at least for our SP-101/102 adaptor). - Equipment chassis: If verified to be grounded, a chassis can be used for repairs or diagnostics.
→ What’s a Chassis?
In electronics, the chassis is the structural frame or enclosure of equipment (often made of metal) that supports and houses the internal components. In many devices, it’s connected to electrical ground, making it a safe attachment point when verified as grounded.
Pro Tip: Always follow ANSI/ESD S20.20 guidelines or your company’s internal ESD control procedures for grounding methods.
Where to Buy an Anti-Static Wrist Strap
When it comes to protecting sensitive electronics, your wrist strap is only as good as the company behind it. Choosing a trusted, industry-leading supplier ensures you get a strap that meets standards, performs consistently, and lasts.
The right ESD equipment supplier will:
- Provide complete product specifications, confirming compliance with ANSI/ESD S20.20 or your facility’s requirements.
- Offer quality-tested ESD products, rather than unverified, generic imports.
- Clearly explain proper use and care for maximum service life.
- Deliver responsive customer support for any necessary troubleshooting or replacements.
Why Static Solutions?
As the industry-leading provider of static control products, Static Solutions delivers unmatched quality, expertise, and service. Our anti static WS-1020 wrist strap is a comfortable, durable, and highly effective choice for most ESD-safe environments—trusted by professionals who demand reliable protection for their sensitive components.
Recommended: If you want a dependable option from a trusted static control supplier, we carry the WS-1020 Wrist Strap, a comfortable, durable, and effective choice for most ESD-safe work environments.
Looking for specific accessory recommendations?
We recommend the outlet ground checker (GT-4872), earth ground checker (SP-101/SP-102), and grounding cords (GC-9010/9020).
Final Word: Why ESD Wrist Straps Are Non-Negotiable
Knowing how to use an anti-static wrist strap—and using it correctly—is part of the discipline of working professionally in electronics. It’s not complicated, but it does require attention to detail:
- Skin contact matters.
- Grounding matters.
- “Wireless” options don’t offer true protection.
The cost of prevention is minimal; the cost of ESD damage can be far greater—often in ways you won’t see until it’s too late. Whether you’re building a complete ESD control program or fine-tuning your process, the wrist strap remains a small yet critical link in your chain of protection.