NEIEP Mechanics Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of wearing a grounding wrist strap?

1. To enhance comfort during work

2. To prevent electric shock

3. To protect sensitive solid state circuits

4. To ensure proper grounding of tools

The correct answer is: To protect sensitive solid state circuits

The primary purpose of wearing a grounding wrist strap is to protect sensitive solid-state circuits. Solid-state devices, such as microprocessors and memory chips, are highly susceptible to damage from static electricity. When working on electronic equipment, technicians can generate static charges on their bodies. A grounding wrist strap provides a safe path for any static electricity to dissipate to the ground, thus preventing it from discharging through sensitive components and causing irreversible damage. While options related to electrical shock, comfort, or tool grounding each have their own importance in the broader context of electrical safety and usability, the specific function of a grounding wrist strap is designed to mitigate the risk to electronic components from electrostatic discharge (ESD). This makes it an essential tool when handling or repairing equipment containing sensitive circuits.