Monitors and meters may seem like merely a question of semantics. And in most of the world it is, monitors are analogous with meters and vice versa.<\/p>\n
But when you\u2019re dealing with electrostatic discharge (ESD) prevention, both have specific purposes and uses that set them apart from one another. And it\u2019s important you know which is which before you start or continue your work with items that can be harmed by ESD.<\/p>\n
In plain language, in an ESD Prevention situation, the Monitor (noun)<\/em> keeps known sources of ESD in systematic reviews. It monitors (verb)<\/em>, the \u2018progress\u2019 or quality of ESD buildup over a period of time.<\/p>\n So we have monitors for people<\/a>, that connect to their personal wrist straps<\/a>, or connect between them and the ESD matting that they are using \u2013 in effect, monitoring both.<\/p>\n The key to a good ESD monitor is make sure they provide constant monitoring<\/strong> of the potential ESD in the room.\u00a0 If the monitor fails, a single spark of static electricity can cost hundreds of dollars in damage before it\u2019s quelled.<\/p>\n Meters, in an ESD prevention situation, operate more as the means to locate the sources of ESD build up.<\/p>\n Much like the meters used for testing in construction situations, meters will show the relative ESD levels<\/a>, allowing the user to pinpoint the exact spot where ESD is being generated or not dispersed properly.<\/p>\n This can be on ESD mats, clothing, people and flooring.<\/p>\n Specialty meters can detect and pinpoint ESD specifically in a cleanroom or ionized area.<\/p>\n There are meters that look at a wide variety of potential ESD buildups<\/a> and smaller units that check select areas only. And meters that check the humidity, temperature, electrical resistance, and any or all of these<\/strong> at once.<\/p>\n There is a secondary subset of meters that you should also be aware of \u2013 Testers.<\/strong><\/p>\n Testers<\/a> check the grounding of electrical receptacles to ensure they are actually grounded. Imagine the problems and expense of not realizing your electrical plugs were not grounded and subsequently having to discard or repair any sensitive electronics that had been worked on or assembled during the time the ground was inactive.<\/p>\nMeter: Where Is It?<\/strong><\/h3>\n