However it is more common to connect the mat directly to an electrical outlet using a grounding cable.
How to use an anti static mat.
Place an anti static mat on the desktop surface of a workbench.
To ground anti static mats we insert a conductive snap on the corner of the anti static mat.
Attach the other end of the strap to a common ground.
At a static free work station a common ground point will be noted by a symbol that looks like a black and white target.
Push and clinch where prongs are bent to secure the snap to the mat.
If the mat is equipped with only an alligator clip proceed to the next step.
If an anti static mat is isolated from electrical ground by insulators carpets painted floors or tables you need to connect it to an electrical outlet by using a grounding cable.
Plug the grounding connector attached to the mat into the wall socket.
Whether you are using a metal table or wood table underneath the anti static mat you will want to give static electricity a dedicated path from the mat into an electrical ground when you are using it as a work surface.
At the other end of the cord attached to your wrist strap is an alligator clip that you can use to connect yourself to a common ground.
This condition can cause a short in your components from a rapid discharge of electrostatic energy.
This is accomplished by connecting a grounding cable to the mat via using metal snaps.
With the device unplugged and on the mat.
Really creative name for the mat huh.
All anti static mats aka esd mats have one purpose to dissipate the static charge that can and usually does build up on the human body during a typical day in a controlled manner.