The invention relates to a joint element for an energy guiding chain for guiding hoses or cables, with a number of chain links displaying opposite side straps, where upper and lower cross-members are provided on at least some of the side straps, where the joint element displays at least two mounting areas that can be connected to adjacent or spaced chain links in order to connect them to each other in articulated fashion, so that the energy guiding chain can be deposited to form a lower strand, a deflection zone and an upper strand. The joint element is developed in that an element is provided on it that is made of a material having greater conductivity than the joint element material and continuously bridges the at least two mounting areas. The bridging element displays at least two contact areas located on the surface of the joint element, each of which can be connected in electrically contacting fashion to the two chain links associated with the two mounting areas. As a result, the energy guiding chain displays a long service life, even when exposed to very great mechanical stresses, can be used in ESD protection zones, and has no tendency towards electrostatic charging.