For electrostatic discharge (ESD) safety, what essential component is built into a technician’s wrist grounding strap to safely bleed charge to ground?

Introduction / Context:
ESD precautions protect sensitive components from damage due to static electricity. Wrist grounding straps are standard technician gear, but their internal construction is intentional: they must discharge static safely without creating a shock or a direct short to ground.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are discussing a standard ESD wrist strap.
• The strap connects the technician to ground via a cord and clip.
• Safety and controlled discharge are design goals.

Concept / Approach:
A series resistor—commonly around 1 megaohm—is embedded in the wrist strap lead. This resistor limits current while allowing slow, continuous bleeding of accumulated static charge to ground. The resistor protects the user from accidental contact with live potentials and avoids a sudden discharge that could harm components.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify ESD strap function: equalize potential between person and ground.Require a current-limiting element to ensure safety and gentle dissipation.Conclude that the strap must include a resistor in series.

Verification / Alternative check:
ESD standards and manufacturer specifications call out the series resistor value (often 1 MΩ) and test procedures to verify continuity through the resistor.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Surge protector: For high-energy transients on power lines; not used in straps.
• Capacitor: Would store charge; not desirable for ESD straps.
• Voltmeter: A measurement device; not a strap component.
• None of the above: Incorrect because a resistor is required.

Common Pitfalls:
Bypassing or removing the resistor (direct grounding) is unsafe and noncompliant with ESD best practices.

Final Answer:
Resistor