Expert Customer Support

Our team is always ready to help

Fast & Free Delivery

Rapid delivery across the UK

5-Star Rated

Based on thousands of reviews

Trusted by UK's Best

Leading supplier to UK's biggest brands

How to use Anti-Static Wrist Straps

by Richard O'Connor

Oct 16, 2018 | *5 minutes to read

Technicians regularly use anti-static wrist straps when they are building computers. They are also commonly used in conjunction with Anti-Static Mats. These wrist straps are also commonly referred to as ground bracelets and ESD wrist straps, which is something you have probably seen if you watch YouTube tutorials.

Anti-Static wrist straps are necessary to ensure that the difference in voltage between the computer and your body is balanced, preventing any potentially damaging Electrostatic Discharges from happening.

These wrist straps are used in any activity where there is electrostatic discharge. You want to avoid this as much as possible, as even the smallest amount of ESD could cause irreparable damage to your electrical components or hardware, rendering them useless.

The last thing you want to happen to your new graphics card, or even worse, your motherboard, is to install them in your computer to find that a tiny burst of electrical energy has fried them.

With that being said, if you work in the electronics industry or have any hobbies that fall into these areas, continue reading to find out exactly how to use an anti-static wrist strap. This should help you to determine the best solution for you, and you will also discover more about anti-static ankle straps.

Anti Static Wristbands and Cables

There are two different ways you can use an anti-static wrist strap.

The first thing you need to realise is that there are two different ways that you can utilise an anti-static wrist strap to protect you and your equipment from sudden electrical discharges. These are as follows:

Using an Anti-Static wrist strap alone (bonding)

The first option is bonding, which may seem more convenient because it involves using the anti-static wrist strap on its own. Still, it is advisable to opt for grounding if you are regularly coming into contact with electronic items. Nevertheless, let’s explain how bonding works.

Bonding involves connecting the user to the machine that they are working on. This means that your body will be put at the same voltage potential as your entire computer. This means there the possible static discharge is eliminated.

Using an anti-static wrist strap with a mat (grounding)

This is the other option you can make the most of if you need to use an anti-static mat. With this option, you drain the charges directly to the Earth instead of connecting only to a PC to balance the voltage.

You do this using an anti-static mat, commonly known as a bench mat, which has been specially designed. With bonding, the user needs a cable and an anti-static wrist strap to connect the user to the device. However, with grounding, an anti-static mat will connect the components and the user to the grounding point, which is typically a plug socket. If your work sometimes extends to bigger power systems—think control boards inside a whole home generator - good grounding practices are just as critical.

These set-ups are recommended for those who work with electrical components daily, especially if you have a lot of costs involved. For example, if your job involves working with satellites, you should most certainly go down this route to protect the equipment you work with.

You will also need to go for this option if you work with a laptop or if there is any other reason why you cannot bond yourself to the machine you are using.

How to use Anti-Static Wrist Straps

  1. Anti-Static Wrist Strap
  2. Mat-to-Wristband Coir Cord
  3. Anti-Static ESD Mat
  4. Common Ground Point Wire
  5. Earthing Plug

It is important to note that the exact method of connection you will use for grounding does depend on the model of the mat you have purchased. That said, you should always refer to the instructions before starting the connection process.

Ensure you read them carefully so you do not make any mistakes. In some cases, cables will be provided, and you will receive crocodile clips so you can connect the mat and wrist strip directly to the PC you are using.

There are other systems, such as the ones we sell here at First Mats, which require you to connect your wristband to a connection point on the mat. This will also be connected to a specially designed plug socket or a Common Ground Point.

The materials utilised enable static flow through them, which means that all of the electrical components are earthed merely by making contact with the mat's surface.

Using anti-static ankle straps

It is also worth noting that you have another option, which is an anti-static ankle strap. These straps are suitable for those who stand on an anti-static mat instead of using one on a bench.

This is common when workers need to be mobile in a work area; therefore, a grounding cable would merely get in the way. Moreover, they are often used in operating theatres, whereby explosive anaesthetic gases and oxygen are utilised. If this is the case, you can use an anti-static mat to ground yourself.

These will ensure that static is safely discharged by connecting a strap to your ankle, dissipating static charges through the mat’s conductive surface. The charge will then be drained away safely by utilising a grounding point.

Hopefully, you can better understand how to use your anti-static wrist strap. While you can use it without a mat, most technicians prefer the option of grounding, as this is much more suitable for people using electronic components daily. There are plenty of great online videos you can refer to if you want to see an anti-static wrist strap in action to ensure you are using it properly.

More information: Anti-Static Mats and Accessories



Explore More Topics

Buying Guides
*7 minutes to read

Colorful Classrooms: Leveraging Floor Matting and Adjustable Furniture to Create Engaging Spaces

Learning environments are evolving to meet the needs of students who think, move, and learn differently. Colourful classroom spaces that combine thoughtful design with vibrant visual elements are more than...

Read More
Buying Guides
*3 minutes to read

Entrance Mat Sizing Guide

Have you ever purchased a mat only to find it's too small to catch dirt or too large for your doorway? Selecting the right-sized mat is essential, not just for...

Read More
Buying Guides
*5 minutes to read

What Are the Most Eco-Friendly Floor Mats?

Have you ever paused at your front door and wondered if your doormat is eco-friendly?  We often focus on recycling and reducing energy use in our homes, but even a...

Read More
Buying Guides
*3 minutes to read

Which Floor Mats Can You Use Outdoors?

Have you ever stepped outside your door and slipped on a wet, ineffective mat? Or perhaps you've noticed your once-attractive mat has deteriorated rapidly after being exposed to rain and...

Read More
Buying Guides
*3 minutes to read

How to Fit a Recessed Door Mat

Recessed door mats keep your entryway tidy and safe by fitting flush with your floor. If you have an existing matwell or frame, installing coir...

Read More
Buying Guides
*4 minutes to read

Why Branded Floor Mats Are a Smart Business Investment

Have you ever considered the importance of your entrance area to your overall business image? Are you making the most of every opportunity to showcase your brand?...

Read More
Buying Guides
*3 minutes to read

5 Benefits of Using Cable Protectors

Cable protectors are a great way to ensure your cables stay safe and in place. They can be used for many everyday purposes, such as preventing tripping hazards, covering unsightly...

Read More
Buying Guides
*3 minutes to read

Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal with the Right Doormat

Have you ever walked up to a house and immediately felt like this is a house you want to own, even before even stepping inside? That first impression is...

Read More
Buying Guides
*4 minutes to read

The Versatility of Floor Mats: More Than Just the Front Door

When most people think of floor mats, the front door is the first place that comes to mind. While it’s true that entrance mats are essential...

Read More
Buying Guides
*3 minutes to read

Ergonomic Workstations: Things You Need to Know When Setting One Up

Creating an ergonomic workstation is essential for maintaining employee well-being, increasing productivity, and improving staff retention. Poorly designed workstations can lead to discomfort, musculoskeletal issues, and decreased efficiency. This guide...

Read More
Buying Guides
*3 minutes to read

How to Protect Your Hardwood Floors Using Entrance Mats

Hardwood floors add warmth and elegance to any home, but keeping them looking pristine requires careful maintenance. One of the biggest threats to hardwood flooring is the dirt and grime...

Read More
Buying Guides
*5 minutes to read

The Different Textures of Entrance Matting and Their Benefits

Entrance mats may seem like a simple addition to your home or business, but not all mats are the same. A mat's texture is crucial in how well it...

Read More
Buying Guides
*5 minutes to read

What Vegans Need to Know About Door Mats

This article has been written by our Director, Richard O’Connor, who has been exploring how well door mats can align with vegan values. As a vegetarian making more vegan choices...

Read More
Buying Guides
*4 minutes to read

6 Tips for using a Standing Desk Correctly

As people are becoming more aware of their fitness levels and ways in which they can stay healthy, standing desks have increased in popularity because those who have previously had...

Read More
Buying Guides
*4 minutes to read

5 Creative Ways to Use Your Logo on Products to Boost Brand Awareness

Businesses today compete for attention across countless platforms. Customers have more choices than ever, so brand loyalty is becoming harder to secure. In this landscape, a brand’s image needs to...

Read More
Buying Guides
*6 minutes to read

The Different Surfaces of Anti-Fatigue Matting Explained

Understanding the different surface textures of anti-fatigue matting is essential for selecting the right one for your workspace. Anti-fatigue mats come in various textures, each designed to provide specific benefits...

Read More
Buying Guides
*7 minutes to read

Industrial Matting Fact Sheet

Introduction Industrial matting plays a crucial role in maintaining safety, comfort, and efficiency in various work environments. This fact sheet provides essential information about the different types of industrial mats,...

Read More
Buying Guides
*7 minutes to read

How to keep warm at work: Cost-effective ways to beat the bills

Are you concerned about your business running costs now that energy prices have gone through the roof? Electricity prices have increased 74% for large industrial units in the past...

Read More
Buying Guides
*8 minutes to read

The Cost of Slips, Trips, and Falls to British Industry

The Cost of Slips, Trips, and Falls to British Industry Are slips, trips, and falls costing your business dearly? Is your workforce underperforming? Are you missing expertise on the floor...

Read More
Buying Guides
*6 minutes to read

4-Day Work Week in the UK - Key Facts & Statistics

The world of work has seen a lot of change since the beginning of the 2020s, and — in turn — many companies have placed employee well-being at the top...

Read More
Buying Guides
*5 minutes to read

From Nut to Mat - How Coir Matting is Made

Door mats might not stand out as being the most obvious product to boast an interesting manufacturing history, but the truth of the matter is that coir...

Read More
Buying Guides
*3 minutes to read

A Quick Guide to Storing Small Chemical Products Safely

Introduction This blog post provides a simplified guide to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document titled 'Storing Chemical SR24 Products (small scale)'....

Read More
Buying Guides
*4 minutes to read

Executive Summary of HSE Work-Related MSDs Statistics

Executive Summary: Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Statistics in Great Britain This article provides a comprehensive summary of the key findings from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) report on work-related musculoskeletal...

Read More
Buying Guides
*4 minutes to read

Executive Summary of HSE Work-Related Fatal Injuries Statistics

Executive Summary of HSE Work-Related Fatal Injuries Statistics This article is compiled by First Mats and provides an executive summary of the

Read More
Buying Guides
*4 minutes to read

The Costs to Britain of Workplace Accidents, Injuries and Ill-Health: HSE Report Summary

An Executive Summary of the HSE Report: Costs to Britain of Workplace Fatalities and Self-reported Injuries and Ill Health Published in November 2023, this report presents the latest estimates of...

Read More
Buying Guides
*3 minutes to read

Summary of HSE Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders Statistics 2022

Executive Summary of HSE Report 2022: Key Findings on Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders This blog post provides a summary of the key findings from the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) report...

Read More
Buying Guides
*4 minutes to read

The Environmental Impact of Generator Spills and How to Mitigate Them

Generators, while vital in modern life for a variety of applications, come with certain environmental risks. When not managed properly, spills from these machines can have devastating effects on our...

Read More
Buying Guides
*5 minutes to read

How to Prevent and Clean Oil Spills in the Workplace: A Comprehensive Guide

Workplace oil spills are more than just an inconvenient mess; they present serious risks to employee safety and the environment. Several pieces of legislation in the UK, such as the...

Read More
Buying Guides
*4 minutes to read

AdBlue: Its Risks to Health and the Environment

In an era where environmental responsibility and sustainable practices take centre stage, understanding the various components of these efforts is paramount. One such component, extensively used in the automotive industry,...

Read More
Buying Guides
*3 minutes to read

The Best Colour Door Mats for People With Dementia

Dementia is a syndrome associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning, affecting memory, thinking speed, language, understanding, judgement, mood, and movement. It impacts more than 850,000 people in the...

Read More
Buying Guides
*5 minutes to read

Tips for Moving Plasterboard Safely and Efficiently

Plasterboard, also known as drywall, is a common material used in construction and renovation projects. While it's a versatile and useful material, moving plasterboard can be challenging due to its...

Read More
Buying Guides
*3 minutes to read

Understanding UDL: Uniformally Distributed Load

What Does UDL Mean? UDL, or Uniformally Distributed Load, is a term used in the field of manual handling equipment to describe the weight capacity of a particular piece of...

Read More
Buying Guides
*5 minutes to read

Bund Integrity Testing - What You Need to Know

As a responsible business owner, protecting your assets should be one of your top priorities. One approach to securing your assets is using portable bunding solutions, such as

Read More
Buying Guides
*4 minutes to read

The Complete Guide to Foam Impact Protectors: Enhancing Workplace Safety

Impact Protection Foam is a vital component in industrial environments, serving as a crucial safeguard against injuries caused by impacts with hard surfaces. Designed with a...

Read More
Buying Guides
*3 minutes to read

Rising Stress Levels in the UK and the Impact on Workers - Facts and Statistics

A recent study conducted by First Mats has highlighted the growing issue of stress among the UK population. Our survey of over 1,000 UK adults found that more...

Read More
Buying Guides
*5 minutes to read

Mats for Wudu / Ablution Areas in Mosques

Here at First Mats, we have an extensive selection of wet room matting ideal for Wudu/ Ablution areas in Mosques and other spiritual sites. The outstanding water drainage, anti-slip...

Read More
Buying Guides
*2 minutes to read

The Most Unsafe Places to Work in Britain (2023)

The Health and Safety Executive releases updated figures on workplace injuries and fatalities annually, and its latest report has...

Read More
Buying Guides
*7 minutes to read

Workplace Safety Facts and Statistics

Workplace-related injury is shockingly high in the UK. And statistics from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) show that thousands of UK workers are injured or killed on the...

Read More
Buying Guides
*5 minutes to read

A Simple Guide to ISO 14001 Certification

ISO 14001 certification is a globally recognised standard for implementing an effective environmental management system. It is designed to help organisations reduce their environmental impact, manage resources more efficiently, and...

Read More
Buying Guides
*5 minutes to read

How to Remove The Smell from Rubber Mats

Rubber mats are versatile and extremely useful in various applications, from gyms to warehouses to garage floors. They are naturally durable, flexible and have a long lifespan. However, amongst all...

Read More
Buying Guides
*8 minutes to read

Flyball - The Everything Guide

Are you looking for a new activity to enjoy with your dog? Perhaps you want to help socialise your pup while providing excellent exercise that stimulates their brain, agility, and...

Read More
Buying Guides
*6 minutes to read

How to Charge Your Electric Car if You Don’t Have a Driveway

Are you considering buying an electric car, van, or moped? If you have your own driveway, it’s easy to charge your EV — but what happens if you don’t? How...

Read More
Buying Guides
*7 minutes to read

The Importance of Doormats & How They Can Save You Money

Most of us are considering how we can save money around the home right now. But for business owners, cost-cutting has become essential to sustaining a long-term business.  And while...

Read More
Buying Guides
*5 minutes to read

How to Deal with Wet Floors in Warehouses

Did you know that slips and falls are the most significant cause of non-fatal injuries in UK workplaces? And what’s most frustrating is that most of...

Read More
Buying Guides
*6 minutes to read

Fire Safety Facts and Statistics UK

Fire safety is one of the cornerstones of health and safety – fires are among the most devastating accidents that can happen in the home or the workplace, both in...

Read More
Buying Guides
*5 minutes to read

The Best Anti-Fatigue Mats by Job Role

Anti-fatigue mats are one of the best, most cost-effective ways of improving health and safety at your premises and boosting employee productivity and engagement. There are many different available, so...

Read More
Buying Guides
*4 minutes to read

Rubber Sheet Types and Applications

Rubber sheets are used in a broad spectrum of different industries, for an equally broad range of reasons. From gaskets and seals to shock absorption and anti-vibration padding, rubber is...

Read More
Buying Guides
*5 minutes to read

The Best Matting for Kennel Flooring

The flooring you choose for your kennel will have a big impact on how much time you have to spend on cleaning and maintenance, how often you have to replace...

Read More
Buying Guides
*8 minutes to read

Manual Handling Equipment Types

Manual handling injuries are one of the most common types of injury in the United Kingdom workplace, accounting for thousands of incidents every single year. As well as the legal (and...

Read More
Buying Guides
*3 minutes to read

What does Shore A Hardness Mean?

Shore hardness scales are the way in which different materials are measured for their hardness – it allows people to accurately compare the relative hardness of different items, much as...

Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, we’re here to help

How long does delivery take?

Each product comes with a specified lead time for delivery. We'll keep you informed if there are any delays in meeting this timeline.

Typically, once you’ve finalised your order and approved the proof, it will take 4-5 business days to make and deliver your finished mat.

If my order is damaged, can I return or exchange it?

Got a problem with your order? If something's not right or you're not thrilled with the quality, just let us know within 14 days of getting it. Drop us a line, and we'll tell you what to do next—usually, it starts with you sending us a photo of the issue. Once we check that out, we'll sort you out with a refund or a new item, no fuss.

Can I get my mat delivered more quickly?

Need your item in a hurry? Just Contact us to explore the faster delivery options we might have for you!

If my custom mat is damaged, can I return or exchange it?

Got a problem with your order? If something's not right or you're not thrilled with the quality, just let us know within 14 days of getting it. Drop us a line, and we'll tell you what to do next—usually, it starts with you sending us a photo of the issue. Once we check that out, we'll sort you out with a refund or a new item, no fuss.


Expert Customer Support

Our team is always ready to help

Fast & Free Delivery

Rapid delivery across the UK

5-Star Rated

Based on thousands of reviews

Trusted by UK's Best

Leading supplier to UK's biggest brands