Static Electricity Misconceptions: Fake vs. Real ESD Wrist Straps & Proper Grounding Deep-Dive

Thomas Ricciardelli of SelecTech sits in on the PCB Talk podcast to discuss the challenges of protecting components from the dangers of static electricity. ESD Systems stocks SelecTech’s SelectTile ESD Flooring System. The system is designed to create an ESD floor without the need for adhesives, copper strips, underlayment or padding. Please contact us for…
Newark is a high-service distributor of technology products (including Desco), services and solutions for electronic system design, maintenance and repair. They have created a learning module for ESD control on their Element14 site. The information covers the basics for ESD control in an electronics production area and includes a quiz at the end. To access…
Read more Learn the Essentials of Electrostatic Discharge and ESD Prevention
This video covers the fundamental principles for protecting ESD sensitive components in a electronics production environment. The presentation includes an explanation and demonstrations of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), the different models for ESD events, and material types used in an ESD Protected Area (EPA). To learn how to build an effective ESD control program that is…
Setting up a new ESD Protected Area (EPA) can be a little daunting, especially if you are unfamiliar or relatively new to the concept of ESD Control. It would be nice to have a blue print for establishing an EPA, but in truth there is no exact formula as everyone’s situation is different. However, there…
Read more How to Create a New ESD Protected Area (EPA) from Scratch
ESD worksurfaces, such as mats, are typically an integral part of the ESD workstation, particularly in areas where hand assembly occurs. Carts or shelves where ESD sensitive items are stored (without ESD shielding) would also be treated as an ESD workstation. The purpose of the ESD worksurface is two-fold: To provide a surface with little to…
ESD worksurfaces are typically an integral part of the ESD workstation, particularly in areas where hand assembly occurs. The purpose of the ESD worksurface is two-fold: (1) To provide a surface with little to no charge on it. (2) To provide a surface that will remove ElectroStatic charges from conductors (including ESD Susceptible devices and…
Read more Best Practices for Establishing an ESD Workstation
ANSI/ESD S20.20 now requires the Operator Walking Test (ANSI/ESD STM97.1) and conformance to Operator Resistance Measurements (ANSI/ESD STM97.2) for product qualification of flooring / footwear systems for grounding personnel. What is the importance of the Walking Test? It is necessary to qualify the Footwear / Flooring personnel grounding system for certification to ANSI/ESD S20.20. It…
Read more The New Footwear/Flooring Systems Requirements of ANSI/ESD S20.20-2014
A fundamental principle of ESD control is to ground conductors including people at ESD protected workstations. Wrist straps are the first line of defense against ESD, the most common personnel grounding device used, and are required to be used if the operator is sitting. The wristband should be worn snug to the skin with its…
Read more Fundamental ESD Control Principles – Personnel Grounding
The Desco Digital Surface Resistance Meter Kit measures resistance point-to-point (Rtt) or surface-to-ground (Rtg) of worksurfaces, flooring systems, garments, and other materials in accordance with ESD Association documents: ESD TR53, ANSI/ESD S4.1, ANSI/ESD S7.1, ANSI/ESD STM97.1 and other documents. Learn more about Desco’s Digital Surface Resistance Meter Kit Here