Common Misconceptions About ESD Products

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is a serious concern in industries where sensitive electronic components are handled. To combat this, various ESD protection products—such as wrist straps, mats, garments, and ionizers—are widely used. However, despite their prevalence, misconceptions about how these products work and how they should be used still abound.

In this blog, we’ll debunk some of the most common myths about ESD products to help ensure better protection practices in your workplace.

Myth #1: “If I’m wearing an ESD wrist strap, I don’t need any other protection.”

Truth: While ESD wrist straps are a crucial line of defense, they are only part of a complete ESD control system. Wrist straps ground the person wearing them, but if you're not also using ESD-safe mats, tools, and flooring, you’re still at risk of discharging static to sensitive components. A holistic approach is necessary to ensure full protection.

Myth #2: “You only need ESD protection when working on open electronics.”

Truth: Static-sensitive devices can be damaged even when enclosed in what seems like protective casing. Latent damage—where a component is weakened but not immediately broken—can still occur. ESD protection should be used throughout the entire handling and production process, not just during obvious repair or assembly work.

Myth #3: “Regular clothing is good enough—ESD garments are overkill.”

Truth: Standard clothing, especially made of synthetic materials, can generate static charges. ESD garments are designed to dissipate these charges safely. Wearing an ESD lab coat over your clothes helps prevent static from your body or clothing from damaging components—even when you're properly grounded.

Myth #4: “If I don’t feel a static shock, there’s no risk.”

Truth: Human beings typically only feel static discharges at around 3,000 volts. However, many electronic components can be damaged by as little as 100 volts—or even less. The absence of a visible or tactile shock doesn’t mean there’s no ESD risk. Always use proper protection regardless of what you feel.

Myth #5: “All ESD mats and surfaces are the same.”

Truth: Not all mats or surfaces labeled "ESD" are created equal. ESD Mats can be conductive, dissipative, or insulative, and each type serves a different purpose. Selecting the right material and ensuring it's correctly grounded is critical to maintaining an effective ESD-safe environment.

Myth #6: “I can test my ESD protection gear once and forget about it.”

Truth: ESD equipment can degrade over time due to wear and environmental factors. Regular testing and certification of wrist straps, heel grounders, and mats are essential. Many companies include these checks as part of their quality assurance procedures to maintain standards and prevent costly failures.

Myth #7: “ESD is only a concern in high-tech manufacturing.”

Truth: While ESD is particularly dangerous in electronics manufacturing, it can also impact environments like healthcare (with electronic medical devices), aerospace, automotive, and more. Wherever sensitive electronic components are involved, ESD control is vital.

Understanding the realities behind ESD and how to effectively use ESD products can be the difference between consistent product quality and costly damage. Misconceptions can lead to complacency and overlooked vulnerabilities in your static control plan. By dispelling these myths and committing to industry best practices, you can ensure that your workplace remains safe for sensitive electronics and efficient in production.