What is Static Electricity?

All materials are made of atoms. In their normal state, atoms are electrically neutral, meaning they have an equal number of positively charged protons and negatively charged electrons.

Whenever two materials with different electrical characteristics rub together, or come into frictional contact—you drag a plastic comb through your hair, pet your cat, or walk across a floor—their surface molecules interact, forming an electrical bond.

Separating the materials creates friction. This frictional force pulls electrons away from one material and deposits them on the other, creating an electrical imbalance in both materials.

The material that lost electrons becomes positively charged. The material that gained electrons is left with a negative charge.

The technical term for this phenomenon is Triboelectrification, commonly known as static electricity.

When establishing an Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) protected area, several key principles should be followed to effectively control and minimize ESD risks. Here are some important principles to consider:

1. ESD Control Plan: Develop a comprehensive ESD control plan that outlines the specific measures and procedures to be implemented within the protected area. The plan should address all aspects of ESD control, including personnel grounding, workstation setup, handling procedures, equipment grounding, and regular testing and auditing.
2. Grounding: Proper grounding is crucial in an ESD protected area. Ensure that all conductive surfaces, including workstations, floors, and equipment, are properly grounded to eliminate static charges. Use grounded wrist straps, footwear, and other personal protective equipment to prevent static buildup on personnel.
3. ESD-Safe Workstations and Furniture: Equip workstations with ESD-safe materials, such as conductive or dissipative work surfaces and grounding points. Use ESD-safe chairs, shelving units, and storage containers to minimize the risk of static discharge.
4. ESD-Safe Packaging and Handling: Use ESD-safe packaging materials for sensitive components and devices to prevent static charge accumulation during transportation and storage. Implement proper handling techniques, such as avoiding excessive movement or rubbing of ESD-sensitive items, to minimize the risk of ESD events.
5. ESD Protective Equipment: Provide personnel with appropriate ESD protective equipment, including wrist straps, foot grounders, and smocks. Ensure that these items are regularly inspected and maintained for optimal performance.
6. Training and Education: Conduct regular training sessions to educate employees about ESD risks, control procedures, and the importance of following ESD protocols. Promote awareness of static electricity and its potential impact on sensitive electronic components.
7. Auditing and Testing: Regularly audit and test the effectiveness of ESD control measures within the protected area. Perform measurements of electrostatic charges, grounding systems, and personnel grounding to verify compliance with ESD standards and identify areas for improvement.
8. Compliance with Standards: Adhere to relevant industry standards and guidelines, such as the ANSI/ESD S20.20, IEC 61340 series, or other applicable standards, to ensure ESD control measures are in line with industry best practices.
9. Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of continuous improvement by seeking feedback from employees, monitoring ESD incidents, and implementing corrective actions. Regularly review and update the ESD control plan to incorporate new technologies and practices.
10. Documentation: Maintain thorough documentation of ESD control procedures, training records, audit results, and any ESD incidents. This documentation helps demonstrate compliance and serves as a reference for future improvements.

By following these key principles, an ESD protected area can effectively control electrostatic discharge risks, minimize damage to electronic components, and ensure the reliability and quality of sensitive devices and systems.