choosing between two ESD mats

[SnakeBite]

Hi, I'm having a hard time to choose between two models of esd mats for my lab.
two of them are around 30$ and the other is around 60$.
the difference between the two is the thickness (0.060" or 0.080")  the country of origin (China vs Italy) and the top layer finish ("Lightly textured top layer with non-reflective finish" vs "Smooth top layer with non-reflective finish".

how the top layer finish affects the esd dissipation or other factor I'm not thinking of ?

http://www.all-spec.com/products/SRW110B.html

http://www.all-spec.com/products/APW110B.html


thanks
Ido

[ivan747]

Can you melt them with solder?

[SnakeBite]

no.
in the links you have all the info.

"Withstands hot soldering irons and molten solder"

[Alex]

They are both a hybrid of dissipative and coductive layers and heat resistant which is good. They seem to not state resistance to punctures.

You can't go wrong with either. I would choose mat surface to view components better. Quality and type of exact materials as well as use will determine the self-life of the mat - they do have a self life. They are both rather cheap to be honest and they will serve you for a long time with an appropriate grounding scheme.

[Richard W.]

Hi Ido,

Both seem to be okay.

But one of the most important things: choose one which is not made of PVC.
The evaporating softener causes damage on rubber (rubber feet, multimeter holsters, ect).

[ivan747]

no.
in the links you have all the info.

"Withstands hot soldering irons and molten solder"

I would get myself the $30 one. My budget is always limited for electronics gear because I do this as a hobby. Just have to pay $15 bucks more and I get something that will last many years more than a $15 mat that will get some nasty marks after a year of soldering cables.

[Slobodan]

I have a question concerning an ESD strap (Velleman). It has integrated 1Momh resistor and i want to know whether it is safe to connect it to a mains earth while wearing it on my wrist?

[ivan747]

I have a question concerning an ESD strap (Velleman). It has integrated 1Momh resistor and i want to know whether it is safe to connect it to a mains earth while wearing it on my wrist?

Not likely:
At a 180V peak, the current would be 0.18uA (microamps), that is 0.00018 mA. So, here are some quotes from books about how much current is needed: http://hypertextbook.com/facts/2000/JackHsu.shtml

[Slobodan]

Not likely:
At a 180V peak, the current would be 0.18uA (microamps), that is 0.00018 mA.

Not likely to be safe?
In my country the mains voltage iz 230V.

[ipman]

You are at least three orders of magnitude below the limit for death or for "pain" as described in the link above.

That should make it safe ... but still, you don't want to connected to live wire.

[Slobodan]

Thanks.