Weller TCP-S iron is ESD safe?

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cupoftea

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Hi,
Do you know why Weller TCP irons are said to not be "anti-static"?

..the top of this (below) says the WTCP-51 is not suitable for ESD operation as the "tip is not anti-static"...but surely the tip is earthed?
https://www.farnell.com/datasheets/1448594.pdf

We are using a weller TCP-S iron. We are also using the WTCP-51
 

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Hi,

it may be earthed, but still not suitbale for ESD operation ... because the ESD current is not limited.
So in case you use this tool to work on an ESD_charged_PCB there will be a spark with non limited current.

Suitable ESD tools should provide a minimum impedance to EARTH GND.
This means high ohmic to limit the current but still to dissipate the ESD energy, but also low capacitance to EARTH GND to avoid high capacitive peak currents.

Klaus
 
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Yes, WTCP-51 "hard" earthing isn't state of the art. But if you use it to solder PCA on an ESD mat there is not serious risk introduced. "The iron isn not antistatic" most likely simply refers to the solder iron plastic shaft.
 
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thanks, i must admit it sounds intuitively correct that the 1MEG limits ESD discharge currents and thus prevents ESD damage...but i can only find evidence that the 1MEG is used for safety in case of mains contact.
 

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