To have effective ESD control, continuous testing and measuring is important. Grounding products and testing equipment must be used to verify the correct functioning of static control systems within a working environment.
One of the primary causes of static charge generation is people: we are constantly moving around and interacting with objects around us, building up a static charge. Grounding systems are used to ensure that components, personnel, and any other conductors are kept at the same relative electrical potential to prevent ESD events. Some key elements that form part of an effective grounding system are:
Workstation grounding
• ESD common grounding point: an electrical junction where all ESD grounds are connected to via grounding cords.
• Work surface bench mats: grounded dissipative bench mats with a resistivity of 1x109 or less.
• Static dissipative floor or floor mat: to avoid static build-up when walking, consider ESD floor mats, vinyl, epoxy or paint in the ESD protected area.
• Grounding testers: used to test your workstation before, during and consistently after the installation of your ESD grounding system.
Personnel grounding devices
• Wrist straps: a conductive elastic band or metallic expendable strap comprising of a conductive inner surface.
• Heel/foot grounders or ESD shoes: frequently used where the technician needs more freedom of movement. Conductive shoes or foot grounders need to be worn on both feet.
• Clothing and gloves: static dissipative clothing and gloves prevent dangerous static fields from interacting with components and causing damage.
• Chairs: when personnel sit or stand up, static charge is generated. To prevent this, ESD chairs with a resistance to ground of less than 1x1010 Ω are recommended.
Actum Group is a specialised importer and distributor of industrial and electronic products in South and Southern Africa.
Engineering in a world that cannot assume connectivity Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice News
Across industrial automation, networking, and defence systems, engineers are rediscovering the importance of resilience and autonomy in an increasingly connected world.
Read more...IOT secures major industry partnership IOT Electronics
News
IOT Electronics has announced a new strategic partnership with Powell Electronics, becoming an Official Authorised Reseller in South Africa.
Read more...Successful Proteus training conference Dizzy Enterprises
News
Dizzy Enterprises recently hosted two hands-on Proteus Training Conferences, bringing together electronics professionals, designers, and enthusiasts to explore the latest capabilities of the Proteus Design Suite from Labcenter Electronics.
Read more...Hitachi reinvents asset management solution
News
Hitachi Energy, in collaboration with Microsoft, is accelerating the digital transformation of essential infrastructure - from electricity networks and transportation corridors to heavy industrial operations - by reinventing how critical assets are managed and maintained.
Read more...Mycronic releases mixed Q4 results
News
Mycronic reported mixed Q4 results for the year ended January to December 2025, while delivering record full year order intake and net sales.
Read more...AGOA: Businesses should diversify or face significant exposure
News
Cross-border payments platform Verto has called on South African and African businesses to accelerate their transition toward a “post-AGOA” trade strategy following President Donald Trump’s signing of a one-year extension to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Read more...Silicon Labs reports strong growth
News
Silicon Labs has reported robust financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2025, with significant YoY revenue gains and shifting market dynamics.
Read more...Siemens acquires Canopus AI ASIC Design Services
News
The acquisition extends Siemens’ comprehensive EDA software portfolio with computational metrology and inspection to help chipmakers solve critical technical challenges in semiconductor manufacturing.
Read more...Micron breaks ground on new wafer fabs
News
Micron Technology has advanced two major semiconductor manufacturing initiatives that together reflect the company’s strategic response to sustained global demand for memory solutions.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version