Want to stay protected against dangerous static charges with ESD or Antistatic mittens? Get the right gloves in order to offer full protection to your equipment, as well as, safeguard against the risk of electrostatic discharge.
For sure, a pair of antistatic gloves or ESD-safe gloves can be a handy necessity when undertaking specific tasks or working in specialized environments. For instance, they’re essential when handling and assembling sensitive electronics or working in clean rooms or explosive environments, to conduct electricity away.
However, choosing between the two can sometimes prove challenging, especially if you aren’t acquainted with them. But worry not. Here, we demystify what they are and their fundamental differences and give you insight into their best use. Hopefully, the info will help you choose the best mittens you can use to dissipate static electricity to protect yourself and your equipment from potential dangers like electrostatic discharge.
So:
What are antistatic gloves?
Inherently anti-static mittens are designed to protect workers from electrostatic shock when repairing or handling electronic equipment. Additionally, wearing anti-static muffs offers the ability to protect sensitive electronic components, such as circuit boards, by dissipating static electricity.
They can also be used in low-contaminate environments such as cleanrooms, laboratories, and the biotech industry. Nonetheless, they may not offer the full or right type of protection against strong electrostatic discharge in comparison to ESD safety gloves.
What are ESD Gloves?
Similarly, ESD protection gloves, mostly made from synthetic materials, are designed to conduct away static electricity. However, they primarily differ from the former by focusing on protecting electronic assembly work or products and an individual from strong electrostatic volts.
What are the major differences between anti-static gloves and ESD gloves?
From their definitions, the two types of static dissipative gloves share a lot, but at the same time, pose some minor conductive differences that affect the ultimate use and pricing.
Material components and their impact on protection and comfort
Most antistatic gloves are usually made of rubber, nylon, or cotton to reduce static friction and offer the lowest possibility of electrostatic discharge on your hands. Their improved versions at least pose all the whistles and bells that come with modern-age mittens for complete versatility. For example, an 18G carbon filament liner for exceptional anti-static functionality, a grounding wrist strap made of conductive materials, and a nylon plus spandex liner for a durable good fit and comfort of your hands. Plus, a micro-foam coating compatible with light oils for a good grip, esd control, and excellent abrasion resistance.
On the other hand, ESD protective gloves take things a notch higher by embodying tougher materials in order to offer maximum protection in case of large outbursts of electrostatic discharges. Most feature components that are made of latex, vinyl, or nitrile fabric with more tensile strength and a 25% carbon composition offer an excellent way to accomplish such a fete. High-end types feature the ESD function with carbon yams wrapped in the linear to protect both the workers and equipment from high volts. And a touchscreen compatibility and an 18G knitting liner for more flexibility and dexterity.
Knowing the material components for your pair of hand wearables can help you determine their best use. For example, esd mittens, such as nitrile gloves for tougher assignments and, on the other hand, antistatic mittens for lighter duties.
Industry-specific applications
Antistatic disposable gloves come in many different forms and are suitable for use in general applications such as electronics, agriculture and gardening, transportation, and warehousing.
Conversely, esd control safety gloves protect sensitive equipment, such as microchips, from static electricity in electronics manufacturing. They’re also used in a number of different safety procedures and in almost all protective applications, such as cut-resistant gloves/garments, sportswear, high-performance ropes/nets, bulletproof vests, etc.
From first-hand experience, I have used a dozen anti-static pairs while conducting my small-time electronic repairs in my tiny uptown electrical shop. And true to word, they have done their job well. In my case, I have never short-circuited any of my customers’ devices or experienced an electrostatic shock.
As such, knowing when and where to wear your pair of gloves can help prevent imminent disaster right off the bat.
Comparison Table
|
Feature/Functionality |
ESD Gloves |
Antistatic Gloves |
|
Material composition |
Commonly used materials include latex and nitrile |
They’re mostly made from cotton, nylon, or rubber |
|
Purpose |
Offer esd protection to workers and the products against large amounts of electrostatic outputs |
They help protect workers and equipment from static electricity |
|
Best fit |
Suitable option for workers working with sensitive equipment such as microchips |
For many different types of general works; for instance, gardening, and warehousing, among others to offer protection |
Anti-Static gloves or ESD gloves: Which ones are the best?
Choosing the best between the two sets of gloves depends on several metrics.
Pointedly:
Task compatibility: In most cases, the nature of your work will determine your go-to kind of glove ― antistatic or ESD. From experience, I recommend esd-safe mittens for highly sensitive equipment, such as CPU microelectronics and PC and laptop repair. On the other hand, an antistatic pair of gloves for general work requires draining away static electricity. Donning gloves that befit your current occupation brings much-needed convenience and helps keep catastrophes at bay. It can also translate into significant cost savings.
Budget: Like any other products under the sun, antistatic safety equipment, as well as gloves and ESD mittens, come with a price tag depending on their features and deliverables—the more functionalities and attributes, the higher their prices. However, as a rule of thumb, balance task compatibility, protection, and the different safety procedures in order to avoid purchasing a “lemon” just to cut corners and provide room for the right choice.
User reviews: Knowing what other users say about a product can also help you make the right decision. For example, poor user experiences are red flags for rogue or poor-quality equipment, while positive remarks can provide insight into your choice. You can check out user reviews by typing in the name of your favorite pair of gloves plus the word “review” on a browser and dive into the results. This allows you to select the best electrostatic discharge gloves for your needs, depending on what others say about a product. You can also find the cheapest and most commonly used ones for your take.
FAQs
What are the different types of ESD gloves?
Electrostatic discharge gloves mainly differ in material composition. Their most common types in the market include vinyl, latex, and fabric ESD mittens. However, choose a material that is suitable for your skin. For instance, avoid esd latex gloves if prone to latex allergies.
Which kind of glove offers the best protection against electrical shock?
For maximum protection from electrical shocks or electrostatic discharge, rubber gloves are ideal. You can also go for those made from synthetic latex.
Time to purchase your favorite Anti-Static or ESD gloves?
In your efforts to shop for the right esd gloves or pair of Antistatic mittens for your needs, practicality is key. And this is where HANVO comes in. We offer top-end anti static gloves and ESD glove products, such as the Hanfeel® NJJ8009/NJ809 Antistatic and the METALQ® ESD gloves.
Check out our products page to procure the best Antistatic or ESD gloves any work environment may require.
Also, feel free to contact us for questions regarding the different types of gloves in order to make a purchase. In addition, get info about their cost savings over disposable gloves. And we shall be more than happy to help. People with latex allergies are also free to place their orders.