ESD Systems - Questions And Answers

What is the 1 megohm resistor placed on ESD devices for? Will it protect individuals from electrical shock and / or electrocution? We had a DESCO coiled cord come into contact with an electrical circuit. The banana plug end came into contact with a plug that wasn't inserted completely. I am concerned that since ESD devices are meant to shunt static electricity to ground the individual wearing an ESD device might as well be standing in a bathtub with a hair dryer. - Darwin Myers, Packard-Hughes Interconnect, Foley, AL

What is the 1 megohm resistor placed on ESD devices for and will it protect the operator from electrification? ==> for safety and yes, up to 250 VAC. DETAILS: The purpose of the 1 Megohm resistor found in series with wrist straps, foot grounders, drag chains, and ground cords is solely to provide safety to the human body by limiting the amount of current that could be conducted through your body. Underwriters Laboratory has approved selective model foot grounders and wrist straps only with a 1 or 2 Megohm resistor in series. The major dictates of the 1 Megohm resistor is that at 250 Volts rms AC, the current is limited to 250 microamps, just below the perception level (and a bit before the nervous system goes awry) of most people. Physical perception of current traveling in/on the body varies depending on size, weight, water content, skin conditions, etc.

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