It is critical that ESD matting and ESD wrist straps work reliably, continuous monitors, or constant monitors, continuously check for electrostatic discharge (ESD) on work surfaces. This is important for preventing damage or failure to sensitive electronic equipment or monitoring discharge in areas where there is a danger of igniting flammable liquids or gases. Other grounding components such as wrist straps, ESD safe mats and ESD grounding cords can be attached to the monitors, connecting work surfaces and operators.

LEDs (light-emitting diodes) indicate different colours to alert users if there is a discharge, sometimes accompanied by an audible alarm.

RS offer a selection of high-quality precision devices from industry-leading brands including SMC, SCS, Desco Europe and of course RS PRO.

What are continuous monitors designed for?

The monitors save system set-up time, ensuring the integrity of the entire ground loop, meaning wrist straps and other ESD accessories don’t need to be checked individually at the start of a shift.

Types of continuous monitors

Some monitors not only detect static electricity but also actively eliminate it by balancing ions. This type of continuous monitor is called an ’ioniser’, ’ionising bar’ or ’static bar’.

Monitors can be connected to one or two wrist straps and one or two work surfaces, plus grounding. Terminal types and supply voltages vary. Some products include EOS (electrical overstress) detection and/or charge detection.

What are the benefits of Continuous Monitoring?

• Instant feedback - Provides the user with information on the status and functionality of their wrist strap.
• Removes the need for periodic testing - Continuous monitoring eliminates the user to do separate testing and logging of wrist strap results.
• Monitors the operator and the workstation - Saves time and costs less than periodic individual testing.