How to check esd mat grounding with multimeter

How to check esd mat grounding with multimeter

You have probably experienced electrostatic discharge (ESD) many times. This occurs when an electrical charge is discharged from a non-conductive surface to a conductive surface. For example, when shuffling your feet across a carpet, especially if it contains synthetic fibers, a static charge can form on your body. As soon as you touch something conductive, such as a metal doorknob, the charge on your body quickly discharges on the metal object. You will feel an electric shock, which is harmless. However, when ESD occurs between sensitive electrical components, such as computers, it can cause serious damage. Since ESD occurs mainly between people and other objects, a special grounded wrist strap should be worn when working with sensitive electrical equipment to prevent ESD.

Step 1

Use the static electricity you have built up on yourself: This is a good way to test for static electricity with a multimeter. Practice discharging ESD first, so you know that electricity is building up. Rub your hands or feet on the carpet, as this causes friction that is converted to electricity and stored until you touch something metallic. Touch something metallic, but make sure it is not an object connected to a power source, preferably a metal doorknob. If you touch a metal object you will receive an electric shock.

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Step 2

Use a digital multimeter to test for ESD. Digital multimeters use their own batteries to power the display and maintain the reading, unlike analog multimeters that return to zero once the current has been cut off. Since ESD occurs in a microsecond, the reading must be maintained.

Step 3

Select the "Amps" display on the multimeter. Measure the amount of current flowing from one object to another. Connect the metal end of the black multimeter to a metal object before static electricity is formed. Use a piece of tape to hold it together. Hold the plastic cap protecting the metal probe on the red end of the multimeter lead with one hand. Do not touch the metal tip on the end.

Step 4

Rub your foot or other hand on the carpet you practiced on earlier to create a static charge. Touch the end of the red multimeter lead with the fingers of your other hand. You will receive an electric shock when the static discharge travels from your body through the multimeter to the metal object.

Step 5 Read the digital multimeter reading.

Take a reading from the digital multimeter. It indicates the number of amps generated by the ESD. If you want to check the voltage, simply change the digital multimeter setting to Volts and repeat the procedure.