Ground bracelet

A ground bracelet or grounding strap is a device that helps prevent the build-up of static electricity in a human body. The bracelet or strap is worn around one wrist (usually left for right-handed individuals, right for left-handed individuals), with the other end of the strap connected to a grounded object.

The necessity for a grounding bracelet or grounding strap became clear with the development of the electronic industry as electronic devices are very sensitive to static discharges. Some devices, such as CMOS components, can be easily destroyed during a static electricity discharge. Therefore, it became very important for the people working on such devices or circuits not to build-up large amounts of static electricity. The grounding bracelet or grounding strap helps to dissipate the electrostatic potential between the human and the surrounding environment, thereby lowering the chance of a static discharge between the human and the component.

Also in use for the same purpose is a ground mat.