Can "direct-mains" soldering iron cause ESD damage?

[cupoftea]

Hi,
The tips of the following non-isolated soldering irons are usually earthed...but do you think they may cause ESD damage to components anyway?

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[FvM]

Only if the earth connection is broken.

 

[dick_freebird]

Every ESD event is from "something" to "something".
A hard-earthed tip to a charged (or electrically hot) body
and there's your ESD / EOS. I would rather have an isolation
transformer and 1Mohm to the water pipe.

 

[FvM]

The question is where do you use a mains powered soldering iron in PCA production? Industry standard is low voltage tool with safety isolation transformer and optional high ohmic resistor discharge resistor.

 

[crutschow]

Note that for a grounded soldering iron of any kind to be safe, you must also be working on a properly grounded antistatic mat.