How to Use a Grounding Mat

If you’ve just bought a grounding mat and are wondering how to set it up, the process is simple. A Grounding Mat connects to the grounded part of a properly grounded wall outlet using a Grounding Cord and Grounding Plug. It does not use electricity, and no electrical current flows through the mat or your body.

Once your mat is connected, place your bare feet, hands, or other exposed skin directly on the surface while you work, relax, read, or watch TV.

Here’s how to set up and use your Grounding Mat correctly.

What’s Included With Your Grounding Mat

Your Grounding Essentials Grounding Mat comes ready to connect using the supplied grounding accessories.

Your setup includes:

• A Grounding Mat
• A 5-meter Grounding Cord
• A Grounding Plug suitable for your selected country or region

The Grounding Plug is designed to connect the Grounding Cord to the grounded part of your wall outlet rather than the live electrical connection.

How to Set Up Your Grounding Mat

Step 1: Check That Your Outlet Is Grounded

Before setting up your mat, make sure the wall outlet you plan to use has a working ground connection.

The easiest way to check is with a Grounding Socket Tester. Plug the tester into the outlet and check the indicator lights according to the supplied instructions.

For the Grounding Essentials Socket Tester, a properly grounded outlet is indicated by two green lights on and the red light off.

If the tester shows a different result, choose another properly grounded outlet or have the outlet inspected by a qualified electrician.

Step 2: Connect the Grounding Cord to the Mat

Locate the connection point on your Grounding Mat.

Press the connector on one end of the Grounding Cord firmly onto the connection point until it is securely attached.

Avoid pulling the cord tightly or placing it somewhere it could easily be caught, twisted, or damaged.

Step 3: Connect the Cord to the Grounding Plug

Attach the other end of the Grounding Cord to your Grounding Plug.

Grounding Essentials offers different Grounding Plug types depending on the country, so make sure you are using the correct version for your outlet.

Step 4: Connect the Grounding Plug to the Wall Outlet

Insert the Grounding Plug into the properly grounded outlet you tested earlier.

The mat is now connected to the grounding part of your home’s electrical system. The setup does not consume electricity and does not connect the mat to the live electrical supply.

Step 5: Make Direct Skin Contact With the Mat

For the strongest conductive connection, place bare skin directly on the Grounding Mat.

For example, you can:

• Rest your bare feet on it while working at a desk
• Place your hands or forearms on it while sitting
• Use it under your feet while reading or watching TV
• Position it wherever you can comfortably maintain skin contact

There is no complicated routine required. Once it is connected correctly, simply use the mat as part of your normal day.

How to Check That Your Grounding Mat Is Working

If you want to confirm that your setup is connected properly, two different tests can be useful.

The Grounding Socket Tester checks whether your wall outlet is properly grounded.

The Grounding Conductivity Tester checks the conductive pathway through your grounding product and Grounding Cord.

Testing both is the best way to check the complete setup because each tester checks a different part of the connection.

Where Should You Place Your Grounding Mat?

One advantage of a Grounding Mat is that you can use it in many places around your home.

Under Your Desk

Place the mat on the floor beneath your desk and rest your bare feet on it while working.

This is one of the simplest ways to incorporate grounding into your daily routine without needing to set aside extra time.

While Relaxing

Place the mat near your sofa or favorite chair and keep your feet or another area of exposed skin in contact with it while reading, watching TV, or relaxing.

On a Desk or Table

You can also position the mat where your hands or arms can comfortably rest on the conductive surface.

The important part is maintaining skin contact with the mat while you use it.

How to Clean Your Grounding Mat

Keeping the surface clean helps maintain good contact with the conductive material.

Wipe your Grounding Mat regularly according to its care instructions. Avoid harsh cleaning products or anything that could damage the conductive surface.

Also check the mat, cord, and connectors occasionally for visible wear or damage.

Using a Grounding Rod Instead of a Wall Outlet

If you do not have access to a properly grounded outlet, a Grounding Rod provides an alternative way to connect your Grounding Mat directly to the Earth. Grounding Essentials offers a Grounding Rod for this type of setup.

The rod is placed into soil outdoors and connected to your Grounding Mat using the appropriate cord. The cable can then be routed indoors through a suitable opening, such as a window or doorway.

Always follow the instructions supplied with your Grounding Rod when installing it.

Simple Tips for Using Your Grounding Mat

To get the most from your setup:

• Check your outlet first. Use a Grounding Socket Tester if you are unsure whether the outlet is grounded.
• Use direct skin contact. Bare feet, hands, or other exposed skin provide the strongest conductive connection with the mat.
• Check your connections. Make sure the Grounding Cord is firmly connected to both the mat and Grounding Plug.
• Keep the mat clean. Regular cleaning helps keep the surface in good condition.
• Choose a convenient location. Put the mat somewhere you already spend time so it can easily become part of your routine.
• Test the setup if needed. A Grounding Socket Tester and Grounding Conductivity Tester can help you check the outlet and grounding product separately.

Make Grounding Part of Your Daily Routine

Setting up a Grounding Mat only takes a few steps: check that your outlet is properly grounded, connect the Grounding Cord to the mat and Grounding Plug, plug it in, and make direct skin contact with the surface.

You can use your mat while working, reading, relaxing, or watching TV, making it easy to incorporate grounding into your everyday routine.

If you have questions about setting up your Grounding Mat, choosing the correct Grounding Plug, or testing your connection, you can contact the Grounding Essentials support team through our live chat for help.