What is ESD?
ESD stands for ‘electrostatic discharge’.
This refers to the charge equalisation between two bodies with different electrostatic charges. This equalisation takes place within a very short time. It can even lead to visible sparking.
In everyday life, such discharges often occur when taking off items of clothing that consist mainly of synthetic fibres. Or when touching a metal door handle after walking across a carpet with shoes with synthetic soles.
How does ESD occur?
ESD occurs when there is an exchange of charge between two bodies with different voltage potentials.
This happens, for example, when two different materials are rubbed together or separated from each other. Well-known everyday examples of this are: Walking across carpet or plastic flooring
- Getting up from a chair Getting out of the car
- Moving insulated containers on a table surface
- Unwinding foil
What role do humans play?
Humans as the main cause of ESD
Electrostatic discharges (ESD) are usually caused by humans. Even simple movements, such as walking across carpet, can charge the body with thousands of volts. The danger is that humans only feel ESD at around 3,000 volts – but sensitive components are damaged at just 30 volts.
The result: invisible damage that often only becomes apparent later on at the customer's premises.
ESD training courses raise awareness of this invisible danger and are the key to working safely with sensitive electronics.
ESD and humidity
The relationship between humidity and ESD
Dry air = Higher ESD risk Below 40% humidity, the air is poorly conductive. Materials charge up more quickly, ESD discharges occur more frequently and with greater intensity – which is dangerous for electronics.
Humid air = More protection
At 40–60% humidity, air and surfaces conduct electricity better. Charges build up more slowly and are dissipated more easily, reducing the risk of ESD.
What are the advantages of ESD protection?
ESD protection measures save you high costs and warranty claims
- Increased product quality and avoidance of complaints
- Avoidance of loss of image and trust
- Compliance with global standards and ESD norms
- Reduction in error rates and repair and replacement costs
- Reduction in failure risks
- Minimisation of product liability risks
