ESD TR20.20

Measure: Indicate surface voltage and polarity of objects. Control: Insulators must be identified at an ESD work area and must meet the guidelines in the ESDA’s ESD Control Program Handbook-ESD TR20.20. Non-Process Essential Insulators If items that can charge to 125 volts or more*, then one of the following will be used: Remove the item…

Read more Identify Sources of ESD at the Work Area with Static Field Meter: Measure – Control – Verify

 Most people notice a difference in the ability to generate static electricity when the air gets dryer (the % RH decreases). As an example, walking across a carpet can yield a charge of 35kV at 10% RH [very dry air], but will drop significantly to 7.5kV at 55% RH. In an electronics manufacturing environment lower…

Read more Dry Air and ESD Control

We are regularly asked if paper is OK in the ESD Protected Area or at an ESD workstation. Regular paper is insulative but tends to be low charging because it is hygroscopic (readily absorbs moisture).  The primary concern with paper is placing ESD sensitive items on the paper interfering with the path-to-ground of the grounded ESD mat.  Best practice…

Read more Paper in the ESD Protected Area