Soldering Irons --> Grounded?

[Former_Mag_User]

I was reading reviews for a certain soldering iron and the reviewers kept saying that the iron wasn't grounded. I know that means that it only has a 2 prong cord, but why should it be grounded? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon3.gif

Thanks.

 

[louie]

Irons are grounded so they won't zap and destroy sensitive electronic components like integrated circuits with any charge. When you work with such sensitive parts, you need a grounded work surface and a wrist ground strap, too. Often when such parts are already soldered into a circuit board, they are relatively safe, but note the typical instructions for installing parts into your computer - ground yourself, and don't take the board out of the static proof bag until you do. It's not a problem with passive components like resistors. Maybe you shoulda asked in the electronics section?