Grounding by touching a ground lead

  • #1
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Is it possible to sufficiently ground yourself just by touching the negative lead of a wire coming from a power supply once?
 
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  • #2
No you need to stay connected to be grounded, and it needs to be to Earth ground.
 
  • #3
rasen58 said:
Is it possible to sufficiently ground yourself just by touching the negative lead of a wire coming from a power supply once?

If you are wearing a wool sweater on a dry day, you will charge back up within a few seconds of moving around after touching the ground lead. If you're not doing anything that charges you back up, it will take a while for any charge to build up on you again.

BTW, it's good practice to ground yourself though a large value resistor like 1 MegOhm. This reduces the possibility that you can get shocked badly if you happen to be connected to some other voltage. ESD control wriststraps, for example, contain such a current-limiting resistor.
 
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  • #4
Plus, the negative lead from the PSU may not be grounded ( ie. its " floating")
 
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1. What is grounding by touching a ground lead?

Grounding by touching a ground lead is a safety measure used to prevent electrical shocks. It involves connecting a conductive wire, known as a ground lead, to a conductive surface or object to redirect any electrical current away from the body.

2. Why is grounding important?

Grounding is important because it helps to protect individuals from electrical shocks. It also prevents damages to electrical equipment and reduces the risk of fires caused by electrical malfunctions.

3. How does grounding by touching a ground lead work?

When a ground lead is connected to a conductive surface, it creates a path for any stray electrical current to flow into the ground. This prevents the current from passing through a person's body, reducing the risk of electric shock.

4. When should grounding by touching a ground lead be used?

Grounding by touching a ground lead should be used whenever working with electrical equipment or in an environment where there is a risk of electric shocks. This includes working with power tools, handling live wires, or working in wet or damp conditions.

5. How can I ensure proper grounding by touching a ground lead?

To ensure proper grounding, it is important to use a conductive ground lead and connect it to a grounded surface or object. It is also essential to regularly inspect the ground lead for any damages or breaks, and replace it if necessary.

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