Circuit & System Protection


Clearing the Static: How to protect PCBs from electrostatic discharge and moisture

30 August 2024 Circuit & System Protection


Greg Barron, Actum Group director

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are essential components in most electronic devices. They are sensitive to environmental factors like electrostatic discharge (ESD) and moisture, which can cause significant damage, leading to malfunction or complete failure of the device. Proper storage of PCBs is crucial to maintaining their integrity and functionality.

1. Use antistatic bags for ESD protection – Store PCBs in antistatic bags, which are designed to dissipate any static charges safely. These bags prevent the build-up of static electricity that could otherwise discharge onto the PCB, potentially damaging the delicate components.

2. Grounding – Ensure that anyone handling the PCBs is properly grounded. This can be achieved by using antistatic wrist straps, grounding mats, or conductive flooring in the storage area. Also use storage containers made from ESD-safe materials. These containers should be labelled clearly to distinguish them from regular storage units.

3. Control humidity levels to prevent moisture damage – Place desiccant packs inside the storage containers or antistatic bags to absorb moisture. Desiccants are materials that attract and hold moisture, reducing the relative humidity inside the sealed environment.

4. Humidity indicators – Employ humidity indicator cards within storage containers to monitor moisture levels. If the humidity exceeds safe levels, take corrective action by replacing the desiccant packs or improving the sealing of the container.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Motor and feeder protection for LV and MV environments
NewElec Pretoria Circuit & System Protection
This relay from NewElec is a micro-controller-based precision instrument with ANSI protection elements, advanced control features, and switchgear controller logic integrating motor and feeder control functions.

Read more...
Clearing the Static: ESD chairs: Essential tools in controlled protected areas
Actum Electronics Circuit & System Protection
Static poses a significant risk in various industries, particularly those involving sensitive electronic components and equipment. To mitigate these risks, electrostatic discharge (ESD) chairs play ...

Read more...
Clearing the Static: ESD dissipative floor mats
Actum Electronics Circuit & System Protection
Dissipative floor mats are specialised mats designed to protect sensitive electronic equipment and components from electrostatic discharge (ESD), by quickly drawing the static electricity off workers before they touch such items.

Read more...
Clearing the Static: ESD transportation and storage
Actum Electronics Circuit & System Protection
CORSTAT and CORTRONIC storage boxes are excellent choices for transporting ESD-sensitive components like PCBs, as they feature a soft, dissipative foam lining for cushioning and static removal.

Read more...
Clearing the Static: Understanding the significance of ESD audits
Actum Electronics Circuit & System Protection
An ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) audit is the first step in establishing an ESD plan, and it is important to include all areas where ESD-sensitive components are being handled.

Read more...
Microchip introduces ECC608 TrustMANAGER
Altron Arrow Circuit & System Protection
To increase security on IoT products and facilitate easier setup and management, Microchip Technology has added the ECC608 TrustMANAGER with Kudelski IoT keySTREAM, Software as a Service (SaaS) to its Trust Platform portfolio of devices, services and tools.

Read more...
Varistors for automotive applications
Future Electronics Circuit & System Protection
TDK Corporation has announced the addition of two new varistors to its AVRH series for automotive applications where both are characterised by the high electrostatic discharge-withstanding voltage demanded to ensure the safe operation of safety-critical automotive functions.

Read more...
Clearing the Static: The importance of ESD wrist straps
Actum Electronics Circuit & System Protection
ESD clothing plays a pivotal role in preventing that people do not charge the products that they are working with.

Read more...
Clearing the Static: ESD clothing and footwear
Actum Electronics Circuit & System Protection
ESD clothing plays a pivotal role in preventing that people do not charge the products that they are working with.

Read more...
Single-phase EMC filters
RS South Africa Circuit & System Protection
TDK Corporation has expanded its portfolio of single-phase EMC filters for AC and DC applications up to 250 V and rated currents from 6 to 30 A.

Read more...