Should we use ESD bracelets when working on electronics? There are several aspects to consider.
First and foremost, we are "amateurs" (with all due respect), and this recommendation primarily comes from the professional world. If you're handling ESD-sensitive devices for 8 hours a day, the chances of something deteriorating are significantly higher.
Then, there’s the environment. A corporate setting often includes carpets, rolling chairs, and a lot of computers, lights and test equipment running throughout the day, which accumulates electrical charges.
Finally, the test equipment itself has evolved—modern devices likely have fewer emissions, less exposed metal, etc.
Speaking of which, I often see people on YouTube who are overly paranoid about ESD but use USB soldering irons, which, in my opinion, are likely candidates for building up an electric charge at the tip (as with anything with a switching psu). That said, this is just a hunch, as I haven’t conducted any accurate measurements to confirm. Personally, I use a properly grounded JBC soldering station.
All in all, using an ESD bracelet is a perfectly valid recommendation and remains common in many professional settings. However, for an enthusiast soldering a couple of chips once a year, it’s probably overkill. As for me, I work on an ESD mat (properly connected to the mains earth/ground with the correct resistor), but I very rarely use an ESD bracelet. To me, the ESD mat provides a layer of safety without overcomplicating things. Just my 2 cents.
