{"id":808,"date":"2016-12-15T13:30:04","date_gmt":"2016-12-15T13:30:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/direct2u.co.uk\/blog\/?p=808"},"modified":"2023-03-27T16:14:18","modified_gmt":"2023-03-27T15:14:18","slug":"esd-effect-workplace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/direct2u.co.uk\/blog\/esd-effect-workplace\/","title":{"rendered":"What is ESD and How Does it Effect your Workplace?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"What<\/p>\n

What is ESD?<\/h2>\n

Electrostatic discharge; when two objects come into contact creating a release of static energy. Everyday examples include: after tumble drying clothes or walking on a carpet then touching a metal door-handle.<\/p>\n

For a discharge to occur two material need to rub together to build up the electro static charge. One of the materials is now positively charged and one is now negatively. The positively charge material now holds the electro static charge; when this meets a preferred material, the static is transferred and an ESD event occurs.<\/p>\n

Why should we prevent an ESD event?<\/h2>\n

The heat from said event is extremely hot, we do not feel it as we are shocked but when this charge is released onto electronic devices the intense heat can melt tiny parts causing the device to fail. Occasionally the device continues to function through the damage as it is hard to detect but will significantly shorten the life of a device. This is known as Latent Defect.<\/p>\n

Even an event as low as 10 Volts is enough to seriously damage components, so manufactures take special measures throughout the whole process to ensure events like these do not occur. Wrist straps, ESD control footwear and ESD floor mats<\/a> are a few examples that will direct the charge into the ground instead of the device but nothing will compare to the durability and life expectancy of an ESD trolley or workbench.<\/p>\n

Basic ESD events<\/h3>\n

Discharge to device: <\/strong>occurs when any charged conductor (including the user) discharges to an item. This directly transfers the electrostatic charge from the user to the sensitive device.<\/p>\n

Discharge from the device: <\/strong> The transfer of a static charge from the device to the user. The static may build up on the device itself through handling or contact with surfaces. This is due to movement in packaging. Devices maybe more sensitive to damage when assembled by automated equipment due to their composition.<\/p>\n

Field Induced Discharge: <\/strong>As on object becomes electrostatically charged it produces an electrostatic field, if a device is placed within this field a charge could be place on said device and cause damage.<\/p>\n

Sources of Static Electricity?<\/h3>\n

MiniCircuits<\/a> shows us in the table below a list of sources of static electricity from objects or processes. It is said that humidity does have some effect ESD; they recommend that humidity must be between 40 \u2013 60% to have the least effect on ESD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
OBJECT\/PROCESS<\/strong><\/td>\nMATERIAL\/ACTIVITY<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Work Surfaces<\/td>\nWaxed, painted or plastic surfaces<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Floors<\/td>\nWaxed, Common Vinyl tiles, Sealed Concrete<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Clothing<\/td>\nCommon smocks, Non-Conductive Shoes, Synthetic Materials<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Chairs<\/td>\nVinyl, Fibre-glass, Finished Wood<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Packaging<\/td>\nCommon Plastic Bags, Foam, Trays, Tote Boxes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Assembly Area<\/td>\nSpray Cleanersm Heat Guns, Blowers, Plastic Tools<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

How to detect static in the work area?<\/h3>\n

One tool commonly used is an electrostatic field meter which detects the presence and magnitude of static charges. Calibration to specific distances must occur frequently correctly and accurately. The user guide of each device will describe the correct operating procedures.<\/p>\n

What is the best protection from ESD sensitive devices?<\/h3>\n