What is ESD?
ESD stands for Electro Static Discharge – the movement of static electricity from one surface to another.
Charged electrons at rest are not dangerous. It is when they move that can cause damage. This movement is the “Discharge”.
In its simplest form, static is heat. Think of a bolt of lightning. Lightning is static electricity caused by the movement of particles in the clouds. The bolt itself, is the massive electrical discharge that is seeking a path to the ground in order to dissipate its energy.
What causes ESD?
This movement usually happens when two materials are separated, which can happen in a bunch of ways:
- Peeling tape from the roll: The sticky side of the tape and the roll’s surface attract each other. When you peel the tape, this attraction is messed up, and electrons can jump from one surface to the other. This leaves one surface with a positive charge and the other with a negative charge.
- Walking across the floor: The friction between your shoes and the floor can cause electrons to move from one surface to the other. Depending on what your shoes and floor are made of, you can end up with a positive or negative charge. This happens more often in dry places where the air doesn’t conduct electricity well, so the charge builds up easily.
- Getting up from a chair: Just like walking, the contact between your clothes and the chair can cause electrons to move. When you stand up, this contact is broken, and the separation of charges can create static electricity.
Other common things that can create static electricity include:
- Rubbing a balloon on your hair: This is a classic example where the friction between the balloon and your hair causes electrons to move, making the balloon negative and your hair positive. This is why the balloon can stick to a wall, as the charged balloon makes the wall’s surface have the opposite charge.
- Taking clothes out of a dryer: The tumbling in the dryer makes clothes rub against each other, causing electrons to move and static charge to build up. This is why clothes often stick together when you take them out of the dryer.
- Petting a cat: The friction between your hand and the cat’s fur can make static electricity, which you might feel as a little shock.
The amount of static electricity made depends on the types of materials, how much friction or contact there is, and how humid it is. In places where electronics are made, static electricity can be damaging, so people have to be careful to prevent it from building up.
What damage can ESD do?
Static electricity poses a significant risk in various settings, particularly in industries handling sensitive electronic components or combustible materials. The dangers of electrostatic discharge (ESD) extend beyond immediate and visible damage to electronic devices. While a static discharge can instantly render a device inoperable, it can also inflict smaller, more subtle damage that can compromise the device’s long-term reliability, leading to an earlier failure. This type of latent damage can be more problematic as it is difficult to detect and diagnose.
The destructive potential of static electricity is not confined to the realm of electronics. In environments where flammable powders or gases are present, such as pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, a static discharge can act as an ignition source, triggering fires or explosions. The seemingly benign spark of static electricity can, under the right conditions, initiate a chain reaction that puts both property and human life at risk.
Knowing that, it is important to implement well-developed ESD control measures in industries where static electricity poses a risk. These measures may include the use of anti-static materials, grounding equipment, and maintaining controlled humidity levels. By taking proactive steps to mitigate the risks associated with static electricity, businesses can safeguard their valuables and create a safe working environment for their employees.
How can Static be controlled, mitigated, or lessened?
The surest way to control static from doing damage is to ground conductors in the work environment. This should start by grounding all personnel contacting products. The human body is the best conductor, and by grounding the body, most static discharges can be avoided.
Eliminating static generators, called insulators, from the work environment is another way to lessen the potential of static damage. Insulators cannot be grounded, so removing them from the immediate work area of sensitive devices is key.
Neutralizing charged ions, positive and negative, which cannot be removed from ungrounded surfaces is another way to mitigate static generation.
Conclusion
Understanding and controlling ESD is very important for protecting sensitive electronics and preventing potential hazards. From everyday occurrences like static cling to the risks of ignition in specialized industries, the impact of ESD can be significant. By introducing effective ESD control measures, businesses can protect their valuable equipment, ensure product reliability, and maintain a safe working environment.
Are you ready to protect your business from the dangers of ESD? Contact Restronics today for expert ESD services and solutions. Our team can help you assess your needs and implement the best practices to mitigate electrostatic discharge in your facility. Don’t leave your valuable assets at risk. Reach out to us and ensure a safe, ESD-protected environment.