Electrostatic Protected Area (EPA) Grounding System
Within an Electrostatic Protected Area (EPA), all objects, surfaces, personnel, and static-sensitive components are maintained at the same electrical potential. This equipotential balance is achieved by grounding all elements through designated Earth Bonding Points (EBPs).
Earth Bonding Point (EBP) Design and Compliance
The EBP system consists of a plug and bracket assembly that serves as a common grounding point, utilizing the facility's protective earth within an EPA. The bonding point connects securely to standard mains supply sockets, establishing contact exclusively with the earth conductor. Each EBP unit complies with:
IEC 61340-5-1 ESD protection standards
ANSI/ESD S20.20 ESD control program requirements
Using Earth Bonding Points In An EPA
Earthing serves as a critical protective measure to safeguard both personnel and static-sensitive components/devices from harmful electric charges. This protection is achieved by establishing a dedicated path (through a protective conductor) that safely channels fault currents to the Earth.
In practical implementation, Earth Bonding Plugs, Brackets, or Points must be installed at each workstation. These components should be directly connected to a verified electrical system ground or to a certified grounding bus, which is itself linked to the protective Earth ground. Importantly, only one groundable point should be present on any given working surface to maintain system integrity. Both ESD-protective surfaces and ESD wrist straps can be effectively grounded using these Earth Bonding Plugs or Brackets.
Industries dealing with sensitive electronics, such as electronics manufacturing and microelectronics cleanrooms, are required to implement a robust Earthing system within their Electrostatic Protected Areas (EPAs). A common practice involves installing bonding points—such as Earthing plugs and brackets—into mains sockets, enabling the attachment of grounding cords as needed. These bonding points are particularly essential at ESD-safe workbenches, where operators routinely handle static-sensitive electronic components and devices, ensuring continuous protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD) risks.
An Earth Bonding Point is installed in the mains power socket. A grounding cable connects to this point at one end, while the other end attaches to anti-static equipment such as a mat or wrist strap. When static electricity builds up on these surfaces, the charge safely dissipates through the grounding cable to the bonding point, where it is effectively discharged to earth. This system provides reliable electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection for sensitive equipment and work
When Do You Need To Use Earth Bonding?
Earth Bonding Points serve as reliable grounding solutions in situations where the primary earth connection may be unsuitable or inaccessible. These specialized points offer a safe, efficient, and user-friendly grounding method within Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Protected Areas (EPAs).
The system features a plug or bracket that seamlessly integrates into standard mains supply sockets, establishing a secure connection exclusively with the earth conductor. For professionals handling and assembling static-sensitive electronic components and devices, proper grounding of both EPA equipment and personnel is essential to prevent electrostatic damage and ensure operational safety.
By implementing Earth Bonding Points, you maintain a controlled electrostatic environment, safeguarding sensitive electronics while complying with ESD protection standards.
Key Benefits:
Safety & Reliability: Ensures consistent grounding even when primary earth is unavailable
Easy Installation: Simple plug-and-play design for quick setup
ESD Compliance: Meets electrostatic protection requirements for sensitive work environments
Versatility: Compatible with standard power sockets for flexible placement in EPAs
For optimal ESD protection, always verify that all workstations, tools, and personnel are properly grounded before handling sensitive electronic components.
