Choosing The Correct ESD Foot Grounder For ESD Protection

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) poses a hidden threat to static sensitive electronic components and devices during production, storage, and shipping. Many common activities may generate static charges on a person’s body that are potentially damaging to electronic components. Simply walking across a carpet can generate between 1,500 to 35,000 volts. Even less than 100 volts can significantly damage an electronic component!

Since walking across floors can be a major source of electrostatic charge, many workplaces adopt ESD foot grounders as part of their ESD control practices. ESD foot grounders, otherwise known as anti-static heel straps, are used for grounding mobile personnel to Earth. When used in conjunction with suitable ESD flooring, the ESD heel grounders provide a continuous path-to-ground and remove electrostatic charges from personnel.

There are many different types of anti static foot grounders to choose from. To help you decide which type of ESD heel strap is best suited for your application and requirements, we have compiled a short guide below.

Our Range of ESD Foot Grounders

ESD Heel Straps

This heel strap is the standard of the range. It is quick and easy to use and can be adjusted with the hook and loop fastener (D-ring). This type of ESD heel strap is non-marking, reusable and designed to be long-lasting. It is the only heel strap of the range with the option of two sizes: standard and extra-large. The extra-large ESD heel strap has a plastic connector. Learn more about ESD heel straps.

Key Features:

• Soft 2-layer rubber material
• Standard and extra-large sizes
• Non-marking
• Hook and loop design for easy adjustment
• Reusable and long lasting

Quick Release ESD Heel Strap

The quick release ESD heel strap offers a convenient alternative to a hook and loop strap. This heel strap is designed with a simple plastic clip fastener for quick open and close function. Learn more about quick release ESD heel straps.

Key Features:

• Soft 2-layer rubber material
• Quick release plastic clip for fast open and close function
• Alternative option to hook and loop strap fastening

Double Rubber ESD Heel Strap

This heel strap is designed to be long-lasting and highly visible in an ESD protected area and low-light conditions. This heel strap features a double rubber grounding strap to extend the lifetime of the product. The heel strap is fluorescent in colour to allow supervisors to easily and clearly identify the correct fitting of the heel strap, even from a distance. Learn more about double rubber ESD heel straps.

Key Features:

• Soft 2-layer rubber material
• Fluorescent strap for high visibility in EPAs and low-light conditions
• Double rubber grounding strap for extended long life use
• Hook and loop strap fastening

ESD Heel Grounder

This heel grounder is very hard-wearing and durable. It is designed with a single elasticated heel strap with a hook and loop strap fastening for quick and easy adjustment. This heel grounder has an elasticated back for extra comfort to the wearer. Learn more about ESD heel grounders.

Key Features:

• Very hard-wearing and durable
• Soft 2-layer rubber material
• Single elasticated heel strap for extra comfort
• Hook and loop strap fastening

Reusable ESD Heel Strap

This heel strap has a detachable grounding ribbon that can be washed in a mild detergent for long term use and can be used again and again. It has a simple hook and loop strap for quick fastening. A pack of detachable grounding ribbons can bought separately which can replace the worn ribbons. Learn more about reusable ESD heel straps.

Key Features:

• Soft 2-layer rubber material
• Reusable and long lasting, excellent for long-term use
• Hook and loop strap for easy fastening
• Detachable grounding ribbons can be washed in a mild detergent for long term use

ESD Toe Grounder

Toe grounders are a good alternative to use when heel grounders are not practical (for example, heeled shoes). ESD toe grounders are fully adjustable and can be fitted to any shoe size or style with the adjustable hook and loop fastening. They are robust, hard wearing, and have elasticated straps for good support and comfort. Designed for repeated use, the ESD toe grounder provides long term ESD protection to all personnel when used in conjunction with grounded ESD flooring and matting. Learn more about ESD toe grounders.

Key Features:

• One size fits all
• Hook and loop adjustable strap fastening
• Ideal solution for grounded heeled shoes (i.e. high heels)
• Elasticated and non-marking
• Durable and hard-wearing
• Reusable and designed for repeated use
• Fits around the front of the shoe

Disposable ESD Heel Straps

These heel straps are an easy to use, lightweight, and cost-effective ESD heel grounding solution. They are designed for temporary workers and plant visitors who need to enter a static protected area safely without the risk of ESD. These heel straps can be easily disposed of after use. The heel straps are designed with black and yellow stripes for high visibility. They are suitable for various shoe styles and sizes. Learn more about disposable ESD heel straps.

Key Features:

• An economical solution for temporary workers or visitors
• Easy to use and comfortable to wear
• Black and yellow stripes for high visibility
• Lightweight and disposable heel straps
• Antistatic non-woven fabric

ESD Overshoes

Overshoes are the ideal grounding solution for cleanroom environments where static sensitive electronic components and devices are handled. Overshoes can be easily disposed of after one-time use or can be re-used again and again. These overshoes feature a non-slip grip to avoid slips and falls in the workplace. Aside from being used in a cleanroom environment, the overshoes can also be used in other industries such as engineering, manufacturing, and healthcare. These overshoes feature an elasticated opening to provide a secure and comfortable fit for the wearer. Learn more about ESD overshoes.

Key Features:

• Non-slip grip to avoid slips and falls
• One size fits all
• Ideal for short-term use or personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Cost-effective grounding solution for visitors
• Non-woven material
• Cleanroom class ≥ 10.000 compatible
• Dissipative, disposable overshoe

Grounding Mobile Personnel In An ESD Protected Area

Choosing the correct ESD foot grounder for ESD protection comes down to several factors:

• The environment: If you plan to wear a foot grounder in a cleanroom environment, consider using a foot grounder that is cleanroom class compatible (≥ 10.000).
• How long you plan to use it for: For life long use, consider using a reusable heel strap where the straps can be washed and reused again and again.
• Style of shoe: If you will be wearing heeled shoes, consider using a toe grounder which fits around the front of the shoe rather than the heel / sole.
• Personal preference: You may find that you would prefer a clip fastener for quick open and close function rather than a hook and loop fastening.
• Cost: Consider your budget. We offer a selection of foot grounders that suit all sorts of budgets.

Our extensive range of toe, sole and ESD foot grounders offer a number of ways to protect personnel from electrostatic discharge in an ESD Protected Area. Our heel grounders are fully adjustable and can fit all shoe sizes and styles. Take a look at our complete range of ESD heel straps on our website.

For more information on how to use an ESD foot strap, please take a look at our step-by-step guide “How to Wear an ESD Heel Strap”.

Contact Bondline

If you are still unsure on which type of ESD foot grounder you need or would like further advice, please get in touch with our sales team by filling the form below or contacting us on +44 (0)1793 511000 or sales@bondline.co.uk where we’d be happy to help.