Does the type of hardware used effect ground connections? I’m assuming it does but not sure to what extent and if we need to purchase specialized hardware.
After doing some testing of current materials, carts, and experimenting with new grounding techniques, we’ve started to question this.
Zachariah,
If you mean the hardware like nuts and bolts, I wouldn’t think it should matter much as long as they are conductors (metal). Even if the resistance is a few hundred or thousand ohms, the path to ground should still be good enough to bleed any ESD type charge. If you have other specific hardware in mind, please let us know.
Zachariah,
The type of hardware used can directly affect grounding quality. Most typically hardware made of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper or brass are best.
There are other factors to consider. Consider the connection points. Are there paints, coatings, anodizing, sealants under the area you are connecting to? These will break the connection even if hardware is tight. Should be bare metal. Also, consider whether or not you are using flat or star washers when making connections. Star washers give you more “bite” so to speak and could provide a better connection.
Also, make sure you have proper connection pressure. Under tightened hardware can cause intermittent grounds. Over tightened can cause surface damage, cracking, and loss of contact., remember, grounding is both electrical and mechanical.