Eos/ESD technology editor's note: the nature of the application must be taken into account when determining the need for series resistance to ground. Mr.hynes is accurate with respect to field-service situations in which the presence or absence of 60-Hz power on objects in the work area is unknown. Obviously, in such a situation, personnel protection must take fist priority because the uncertainties in the work situation place personnel at risk.However, in the case of a workstation in a controlled such as a factory, where proper precautions have been take in the control of 60-hz power, and where regular inspections take place and monitoring techniques are used, the likelihood of damage to components may be greater that the risk to personnel, and harder ground are more permissible. in the latter case, the desired charge decay rate can become the controlling factor.]