How to Shop for ESD Workbench tools?

[KC2NLT]

I'm in the market for an ESD workbench mat and some grounding tools.

1.I've seen some mats ranging in price from a few dollars to well over $100. So, what should one look for when buying a static dissipative mat?

2. Ideal industries sell a Stat-Gard ESD Grounding Kit that includes a circuit tester. Is this investment necessary (read: worth it) to ensure a good ground?

http://www.idealindustries.com/tm/ElectricalTesters.nsf/ElectricalTesters?OpenFrameSet

[KC2NLT]

That link doesn't seem to work. Here's a better one:

http://www.idealindustries.com/IDEAL-EZ/products.nsf/ItemMasterLookup/p61-046?OpenDocument

[WB2WIK]

There's a lot more to ESD protection if you're serious; but then, there's also a lot less to it if you're just a hobbyist and not in the business of building electronic equipment.

On the "serious" side, I've installed not only ESD conductive/protective workbench surfaces, testers, ground rods and distribution, wrist and ankle straps and miscellaneous accessories, but also a conductive/dissipate floor which cost about $1500.  But then, I do a lot of work with small ESD-sensitive components and overall, there will be a savings going this route.

If you work with tube circuits and TTL electronic stuff, you probably don't need any of this.

What exactly are you working on, where this might be of any significance?

The most important ESD tools are probably a simple wrist strap with ground lead (and a ground to attach it to!), a grounded soldering station and maybe a conductive bench mat.  In lieu of the conductive mat, a mat that simply resists static buildup works also.  Obviously, carpeted benchtops or those made of any kind of plastic or resin are not a good choice.  But linoleum or ceramics aren't bad at all.

I've seen conductive anti-static bench mats for about $5 at surplus sales -- a lot!  If you find an electronics manufacturing company that went out of business or is moving and having an auction, you can fill a truck with this kind of stuff for very little cash.

WB2WIK/6

[KC2NLT]

Thank you for a very informative response. I learn something new every day. I'm mostly interested in a simple setup. Most of the work I do is building VHF handheld receivers and transmitters and an occasional circuit board modification (digital camera & camcorder).

Merry Christmas,
Adam