An antistatic device is any item which has the effect of reducing static electricity

Static electricity

Static electricity refers to the build-up of electric charge on the surface of objects. The static charges remain on an object until they either bleed off to ground or are quickly neutralized by a discharge. Static electricity can be contrasted with current electricity, which can be delivered...

 charges on a person's body or equipment, either to prevent fires and explosions when working with flammable liquids and gases, or to prevent damage to static-sensitive objects such as electronic components or devices. Types of antistatic devices include:

• Antistatic bag
  Antistatic bag
  An antistatic bag is a bag used for shipping components, which are prone to damage caused by electrostatic discharge.These bags are usually plastic and have a distinctive color . The polyethylene variant may also take the form of foam or bubble wrap, either as sheets or bags...
  
  , used to contain devices, such as graphics cards or hard disk drives, typically during shipping.
• Antistatic garments
  Antistatic garments
  Anti-static garments or anti-static clothing is required to prevent damage to electrical components or to prevent fires and explosions when working with flammable liquids and gases.- Electrostatic sensitive device :...
  
  , used in many industries such as electronics, communications, telecommunications and defense applications.
• Antistatic agent
  Antistatic agent
  An antistatic agent is a compound used for treatment of materials or their surfaces in order to reduce or eliminate buildup of static electricity generally caused by the triboelectric effect. Its role is to make the surface or the material itself slightly conductive, either by being conductive...
  
  , compound used for treatment of materials or their surfaces in order to reduce or eliminate buildup of static electricity
• Antistatic mat
  Antistatic mat
  An antistatic floor mat or ground mat is one of a number of antistatic devices designed to help eliminate static electricity. It does this by having a conductive material embedded within the mat that collects the static. The mat would need to be grounded . This is usually accomplished by plugging...
  
  , ranging from small mats for keyboards
  Keyboard (computing)
  In computing, a keyboard is a typewriter-style keyboard, which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys, to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches...
  
   and mice and larger for people to stand on.
• Antistatic strap
  Antistatic wrist strap
  An antistatic wrist strap, ESD wrist strap, or ground bracelet is an antistatic device used to safely ground a person working on very sensitive electronic equipment, to prevent the buildup of static electricity on their body, which can result in electrostatic discharge...
  
  , consisting of a metal component which presses against the skin when worn on the wrist or heel, in turn relayed to an electrical ground.

See also

• Electrostatic sensitive device
  Electrostatic sensitive device
  An electrostatic-sensitive device is any component which can be damaged by common static charges which build up on people, tools, and other non-conductors or semiconductors...