[sdiy] ESD grounding in USA

[Tom Corbitt]

That one should have the banana connection. Unsure why the picture I
sent didn't show it, it's part of a system that does just that. Here's
another one that shows it clearly. Almost all the portable mats I've
ever seen use this kind of connection.

http://www.stanleysupplyservices.com/product-detail.aspx?pn=122-789&ref=base

Up till about the early to mid 60's in the US it was not uncommon to
find only two wires (hot & neutral) to outlets. But you would be hard
pressed to buy only two wire romex these days. Every home inspection
I've had in the last 15 years has included the inspector going around
and plugging the tester into every outlet they saw to insure all is
well.

Without trying to stray off topic, I would suggest that the lack of
such products is more the result of market share (and the fear of
lawsuits) than any other reason. Sadly it's been my experience that
people that open, play with, and build electronics are now very much
the exception, not the rule.

Tom "No user serviceable parts inside" Corbitt


> I'm really surprised no-one makes an off the shelf Earth Grounding Plug for
> US type outlet.  Perhaps historically mains grounding has been less reliable
> in US?
>
> Thanks,
> Seb
>
>