ESD Heel Straps
Composition | Conductive synthetic rubber, Conductive ribbon and adjustable velcro |
Material: | Synthetic rubber |
Color | Black&white |
System resistance | Black layer 10e3Ω~10e5Ω, rubber layer 10e6Ω~10e9Ω |
Ribbon Length | 400-450mm (can be custom) |
Size | Bayonet type Adjustable ( extra large size could be custom) |
Feature: | * 1. ESD heel straps allow freedom of movement around the EPA environment without the restriction of a wrist strap ground cord leashing you to a bench. * 2. The nylon ribbon should make contact with skin, or at minimum, with the sweaty moisture in your shoes in order to provide a path to ground for the static electricity. * 3. Anti-static foot grounder avoids the earthing line when walking in the range of conductive area and is the best choice of workshop and garage. * 4. The principle is that the earthing line in socks will remove static of body through earthing foot grounder, conductive mat and the earthing line. So the earthling line must contact with skin. * 5. The user should wear the two-foot grounder and avoid walking on the area without static protection. |
How Do ESD Heel Straps Work? A Complete Guide by HORBEST
When it comes to grounding operators in an ESD-safe environment, most people are familiar with ESD wrist straps. However, when workers need to move freely around the EPA (Electrostatic Protected Area), wrist straps are no longer practical. That’s where ESD heel straps come in — and yet, many still have questions about how they function and how to use them properly.
In this guide, HORBEST will walk you through everything you need to know about esd heel straps, including their structure, how they work, how to wear them correctly, and why they’re essential for mobile ESD protection.
Why Use ESD Heel Straps?
ESD heel straps provide a continuous grounding path for personnel who walk or stand within an ESD-protected area. Unlike wrist straps, which are ideal for seated workstations, heel straps offer mobile grounding by connecting the wearer’s body to a properly grounded ESD floor.
When worn correctly, they help safely discharge static electricity from the body to the ground, preventing damage to static-sensitive devices (ESDS).
How Do ESD Heel Straps Work?
An ESD heel strap consists of a conductive strip placed inside the shoe that maintains contact with the wearer’s sock or skin through natural perspiration. This strip is connected to a conductive or dissipative rubber sole that touches the ESD floor, forming a complete circuit to ground.
To ensure effective static discharge:
•The conductive strip must have good contact with the foot.
•The heel strap must be in contact with a grounded ESD floor mat or flooring.
•For full protection, it is highly recommended to wear heel straps on both feet, ensuring continuous grounding even when one foot is lifted.
According to IEC 61340-5-1 standards, the total resistance to ground (from body to floor) should be less than 1.0 × 10⁹ Ω, and the maximum body voltage generated should be under 100V.
Types of ESD Heel Straps Offered by HORBEST
1. Basic Velcro Heel Straps
•Easy to install with adjustable Velcro
•Ideal for standard footwear
•Insert the conductive strip inside the shoe and ensure direct contact with the sock
•Lightweight, affordable, and reusable
2. Elastic Heel Straps with Built-In Resistor
•Features a built-in 1MΩ resistor for extra safety
•Stretchable elastic band ensures a snug fit
•Offers reliable contact and faster discharge of static
3. Ankle Strap Combo Models
•Combines an adjustable ankle strap with a heel strap
•Provides secure upper-body contact through the ankle
•Ideal for enhanced mobility and constant grounding
4. Disposable Heel Grounders
•Perfect for visitors or temporary workers
•Single-use and easy to install
•Self-adhesive design wraps around the heel and inserts into the shoe
•Budget-friendly ESD solution for short-term needs
Testing Your ESD Heel Straps
To ensure performance and compliance, HORBEST recommends testing heel straps daily using a personnel grounding tester. This includes:
•Verifying contact between the conductive strip and skin
•Checking resistance level within the required limits
•Ensuring straps are properly attached to the shoes
If any strap fails the test, it must be replaced immediately.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Keep your esd heel straps in top condition by cleaning them regularly. Use silicone-free ESD cleaners or isopropyl alcohol to wipe the rubber portions. Avoid buildup of dirt or oils that can interfere with conductivity. Some models can even be hand- or machine-washed.
Final Thoughts
ESD heel straps are an essential part of any mobile operator’s personal grounding equipment. When paired with proper ESD flooring, they provide an effective and affordable grounding solution. Whether you’re outfitting a cleanroom, electronics assembly line, or semiconductor facility, HORBEST offers high-quality esd heel straps that meet industry standards and ensure your personnel stay protected.
🔗 Browse our full range of ESD heel straps at HORBEST and protect your workspace from hidden ESD risks.
📞 Contact Us Today
For bulk orders, quotes, or product guidance, get in touch with our expert team:
Email: sales2@esdbest.com
Phone: +86 137 1427 2599