Choosing the Best Grounding Bracelet

Working with electronics can be fun, but it can also be dangerous if the right precautions are not taken. Grounding bracelets are often used by those working with highly sensitive electronics as they’re specifically designed to prevent people getting shocked. Previously, these bracelets were really only used by those in the industry. But now they’re available to use within the home too.

In this article, we’ll delve a little deeper into the science surrounding grounding bracelets to give you some idea of how they actually work. We’ll then take a look at what to consider when buying one before running through a few FAQs. Finally, in the last section, we’ll take you through the ins and outs of some the most popular options available at the moment.

Why Do I Need a Grounding Bracelet?

If you’re working with any kind of electronic item and want to reduce the risk of being shocked, then yes! Grounding bracelets are what they say they are. They keep you grounded so that static electricity is directed to the Earth as opposed to yourself or your electronics. It’s recommended to use a grounding bracelet whenever you work inside highly sensitive electronics, including phones, tablets, and computers.

The Science Behind Grounding Bracelets

Grounding bracelets are pretty simple products really. Often referred to as antistatic wrist straps or electrostatic discharge wrist straps, they work by preventing static electricity sparks, and the way they do this is by keeping you grounded.

Most of these bracelets are made out of fabric bands that have conductive carbon fibers or carbon-filled rubber woven into them. Attached to the bracelet is a long wire that has an alligator clip at one end. This alligator clip then attaches to a ground conductor to complete the circuit.

How to Use a Grounding Bracelet

All grounding bracelets come with their own set of instructions. And while they all work in pretty much the same way it’s always a good idea to read the user manual just to get a feel of how it works and to see if there’s any significant about that particular model that you should be aware of. To help you out in the meantime, check out the following tips:

• Always make sure the bracelet is touching bare skin. Wearing the bracelet over clothing will not complete the grounding circuit effectively and could result in you still being shocked.
  
  
• When attaching the ground conductor make sure it’s to an unpainted metal part of the device's frame.
  
  
• Make sure the mains socket is switched off before you begin work.

The Healing Benefits of Grounding Bracelets

As good as grounding bracelets are at helping to prevent static shock when working with electronics, that’s not the only thing they’re good for. Grounding bracelets have gained a lot of popularity in the alternative health industry over the past few years with people reporting relief from a huge number of conditions, including:

• Poor circulation. Being grounded automatically improves one’s circulation, which in turn, helps to ensure sufficient amounts of oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the tissues of the body.
  
  
• Stress. Cortisol is a stress hormone that’s an essential part of the body’s stress response system. It helps to regulate metabolism and inflammation, control blood sugar, and it helps with memory formulation also. When we’re grounded the cortisol levels within the body start to even out along with the diurnal rhythm of the stress hormone. As this happens, we begin to feel less stressed and more energized. 
  
  
• Inflammation. This is one of the most common medical reasons as to why people use grounding bracelets. Grounding helps to reduce inflammation by thinning your blood and pumping it full with negatively charged ions.     
  
  
• Insomnia. A lot of people who use grounding bracelets do so at night as they have been known to help those suffering from insomnia. Wearing one while you sleep is a natural way to regulate the body’s circadian rhythm and, which in turn, will help improve the quality of your sleep.

What to Consider When Buying a Grounding Bracelet

As you can see, there’s really not much to a grounding bracelet. That being said, there are still a few things to consider when purchasing one:

Design 

While most grounding bracelets look pretty similar, there are a few things that separate one from the next, with the first being color. I’m sure if you looked hard enough you could probably find one in pretty much any color. Not that it will make any difference to its performance, but it does add a nice touch.

Cord length 

This is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a grounding bracelet. When deciding on what length cord will be suitable for you, consider where you’ll be working and what you’ll be doing.

For example, if you only need to work on small items and stand in one fixed spot then you could probably get away with having a shorter cord. If however, you work on both big and small items and have to move around a lot between equipment, then make sure you choose a grounding bracelet that has a long cord.

Connector type 

Most grounding bracelets use a cord with a crocodile clip one end to connect to the ground while the other end simply snaps on the bracelet. However, there is another, newer option that’s now available and it’s in the form of wireless grounding bracelet. These give you the same protection from static that wired models do, without restricting your movement.

Comfort 

How comfortable the grounding bracelet is to where will depend on two main factors: the material that it’s made from, and how adjustable it is. Some grounding bracelets are made from materials such as cotton or polyester, while others are made of velcro or PVC. 

Resistance 

This is another important factor to consider when making your purchase. The resistance level of the bracelet will give you an idea as to how effective it is as it’s this number that tells you how easy it is for electricity to flow through it. The higher the resistance, the more useful it is for use in higher voltage devices. The lower the resistance, the better it is for use with sensitive electronics.

Budget 

Most grounding bracelets will set you back less than $20. In fact with most models, you can probably get two or three for that kind of money. As a general rule of thumb, the more expensive the item is the better quality it is. 

Reviews

StarTech.com ESD Anti Static Wrist Strap Band - Best Option Overall

Exceeding the static control standards for both IBM and the US military, the StarTech ESD Anti Static Wrist Strap Band is a force to be reckoned with in itself. It’s durable enough that it should last quite some time, yet comfortable enough that you don’t actually mind wearing it. And, it comes with a lengthy anti-static PVC 6ft (1.8m) grounding cord, giving you much better flexibility while working. 

It may be one of the more expensive grounding bracelets out there, but it fits well and works as it should. And, the overall quality of the product is decent. But most importantly, it comes with a lifetime warranty. On the downside, it may not look particularly pretty, but as long as it does the job and keeps you or your equipment from being fried, then who cares what it looks like!      

Rosewill Anti Static Wrist Strap Band - Best Durability

If you’re looking for a grounding bracelet that’s durable, easy to use, and made from a name you can trust then you’ve come to the right place. The Rosewill Anti Static Wrist Strap Band is a high-quality product at a low cost. It looks much better than some of the other models on this list and has secure connectors, that unlike most other grounding bracelets, can’t be removed.

With a six-foot-long grounding wire, it’s not the most flexible product out there, but it’s long enough to carry out most required tasks. The strap has a resistance of 10k Ohm, making it perfect for working on small electronics. It’s easy to use, works really well, and costs hardly anything. What more could you ask for? The only slight annoyance is that the company only offers a one year warranty. But, to be honest, considering the quality of it and the price, that’s probably not a bad deal.   

Vastar ESD Anti-Static Wrist Strap - Best Value

The Vastar ESD Anti-Static Wrist Strap is a product that’s both aesthetically pleasing and good value for money. Finished in a vibrant blue color, this device is probably one of the most comfortable I’ve ever worn. It’s easy to adjust and the cord is extra long, giving you maximum maneuverability while working.

It has a removable alligator clip for connecting to your electronics. And it comes with an 18-month warranty should you have any issues. If you have carpets where you work, this really is a must! My only issue with this grounding bracelet is that the cord is a little short. But, if you can work around that, it’s a fantastic product at an even better price.  

Zitrades Anti Static Wrist Strap Band Grounding - Best for Usability

Here we have a great little grounding bracelet on offer from Zitrades. It’s sleek, its black and it works really well. The outside of the band is made from a stretchy kind of plastic while the inside is coated with metal. All-in-all, it’s pretty comfortable to wear.   My only gripe here is that being black your wrist can get a little warm and sweaty while wearing it.   

The other slight issue I have with the Zitrades grounding bracelet is that it’s only available in one size. And while that is the same with most grounding bracelets out there, this one is really only suitable for those with a wrist smaller than 9”. Anything bigger and it may pinch or simply not connect properly.

What I like most about this wristband is that comes with a very length eight-foot cord, which is longer than you’ll find on the majority of grounding bracelets. It also has a very secure strap that grips well while in use.   

HDE Cordless Wireless Anti-Static Wrist Band - Worst Option

The HDE Cordless Wireless Anti-Static Wrist Band is one of the newest products to hit the market. Being wireless, it’s been designed to work slightly different to a wired grounding bracelet. Instead of being grounded by a cord, the band works to ensure you have minimal static build-up. It’s recommended to wear the bracelet for at least 15 minutes before working with electronics to allow it time to work.

It’s a well-made bracelet that’s lightweight and feels very comfortable to wear. You can easily adjust it if need be and it comes with an extra strap should you need it. But, in terms of usability, when it comes to working with electronics, I don't feel that it works anywhere near as good as a wired grounding bracelet. And, it doesn’t look very pretty either.  

Don’t risk being shocked while working on electronics. For the sake of a few dollars, it’s simply not worth the damage being shocked can cause to both you and your electrical equipment. 

We hope you found the above information and reviews useful and are now in a position to make your purchase. Just as a quick reminder, if you haven’t already made your mind up, we highly recommend the StarTech.com ESD Anti-Static Wrist Band Strap. It has a minimalist design, a comfortable strap, and it surpasses both IBM and the military’s control standards! Sure it may be the most expensive model on the list, but how do you put a price on your own safety?