Mega-Ohm protection resistor in ESD protection equipment

Status
Not open for further replies.

Pha5e

Advanced Member level 4
Joined
Dec 9, 2011
Messages
101
Helped
7
Reputation
14
Reaction score
6
Trophy points
1,298
Location
I am not here - it's an illusion
Activity points
1,928
Mega-Ohm resistor in ESD protection equipment

Could someone please explain why ESD (anti-static) protection leads, adaptors, plugs have a mega-ohm resistor in series?

I recall someone mentioning that it is to prevent an electric shock if the cable were to accidentally be connected to live mains?
 

That's correct.

The high value resistor can pass enough curent to ensure a static charge is leaked away safely to ground but limits it enough that if the user accidentally came into contact with a live mains or other high voltage source, the current would be low enough not to cause harm.

Consider what would happen if the resistor was not there and for example, the user wore a wrist strap connected directly to ground then they touched a live connection with their other hand. Their body would provide an easy path from hand to hand for current to flow and injury would result.

Brian.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…