ESD Grounding Solutions
Earth bonding points
The Earth Bonding Point (EBP) plug and bracket are designed to provide a common ground point for grounding using protective Earth in an ESD protected area (EPA). The bonding point fits into the mains supply socket, making a connection with the Earth conductor only. Each bonding point supports IEC-61340-5-1 and ESD S20.20 ESD Handling standards.
What is Earthing?
Earthing is used to protect you and static sensitive devices from being affected by an electric charge. It does this by providing a path (a protective conductor) for a fault current to flow to Earth.
Many industries such as electronics manufacturing and cleanroom (microelectronics), must implement an Earthing system in their electrostatic protected area (EPA). They do this simply by inserting bonding points such as Earthing plugs and brackets into the mains’ socket where they can then attach grounding cords as required. Typically, Earth bonding points will be utilised near ESD-safe workbenches where operators will be spending most of their time working on sensitive electronic items.
An example of how Earthing works is as follows: an Earth bonding plug is inserted into the mains’ socket. A grounding cord will then be attached to the plug at one end and, on the other end, to another piece of equipment such as anti-static matting, wrist-strap or else. If a static charge were to generate on the matting or wrist-strap, the charge’s current will travel from the piece of equipment, through the cord and into the bonding point where it would then be grounded to Earth.
When do you need to use Earth bonding?
Earth bonding points are designed for use where main Earth may not be suitable or may be inaccessible. They provide a safe effective and easy to use Earthing point in an ESD protected area (EPA). The plug/bracket fits into the mains supply socket, making a connection with the Earth conductor only.
If you are to be handling and assembling static sensitive electronics, then Earth bonding is a must!
How do you use Earthing bonding plugs and brackets?
To properly use Earth bonding points correctly, you must insert the plug or bracket into a mains supply socket and push it fully in. The plug / bracket functions safely whether the socket is switched off or on. Connect the elements of the EPA such as bench and floor mats to the plug / bracket face using ground cords.
