On Mar 15, 2009, at 2:14 PM, cdb wrote: > :: Does anybody know how well the anti-static mats work? It seems > :: that if you're wearing shoes, their effectiveness would be very > marginal. An anti-static floor mat is one piece in a rigorous anti-static campaign, and it's not the piece I'd choose first. I think they're mostly for people who can't afford the anti-static floor. And they're somewhat designed for people who have a heel strap and/or anti-static chairs (personally, I prefer bare feet, but tPtB tend to frown.) Don't forget that there are two pieces of the anti-static equation; dissipating static charges that have built up, and preventing the build-up in the first place. > The only problem with having earthed workbenches and antistatic mats > is when using an isolation transformer to power devices. > Free perm anyone? An anti-static bench is connected to ground through significant resistor; it's not just "earthed." There is little danger of shock... I think a lot of the anti-static procedures are close to "scam" in nature; a excuse to sell people over-priced equipment and cleaning supplies. Every bit DOES something, but by the time it's all in place you've reached a point of diminishing returns where you'd have been better off requiring your employees to shave their heads... BillW -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist