To maintain reliable electrostatic discharge (ESD) control, regular testing and accurate measurement are essential. Grounding products and ESD testing equipment are vital tools to confirm the functionality of static control systems in the workplace.
One of the main sources of static charge is people themselves. Everyday activities like walking and handling materials can lead to a buildup of static electricity. As a result, grounding systems are crucial in maintaining equal electrical potential across personnel, components, and other conductors to prevent ESD events.
Key components of an effective workplace grounding system
Workstation Grounding:
• ESD common grounding point: A single junction where all ESD grounds are connected using grounding cords.
• Work surface mats: Dissipative bench mats with a surface resistivity of 1 x 109 ohms or less, properly grounded to prevent charge buildup.
• Floor mats and dissipative flooring: ESD-safe flooring such as vinyl, epoxy coatings, or ESD mats to mitigate static charge from foot traffic.
• Grounding testers: Always test workstations before, during, and regularly after installation to ensure grounding systems remain effective.
• Regular maintenance: Scheduled inspections help detect wear, damage, or disconnections in grounding components.
Personnel Grounding Devices:
• Wrist straps: Made from conductive materials, these must be worn correctly to safely dissipate any static charge.
• Heel grounders or ESD shoes: Ideal for mobility, these should be worn on both feet to ensure continuous grounding.
• ESD-safe clothing: Static-dissipative garments reduce the risk of damaging sensitive components.
• ESD chairs: These help prevent charge accumulation when personnel sit or stand, with a resistance to ground of less than 1 x 1010 ohms.
Integrating these elements into your ESD control strategy greatly reduces the risk of static-related damage, safeguarding both personnel and sensitive equipment.
Why wait to automate NewElec Pretoria
Circuit & System Protection
NewElec’s initiative helps you gain operational visibility via HMI or PLC by retrofitting intelligent motor protection relays without replacing MCCs or rewiring the plant.
Read more...Clearing the Static: Effectively control static in your workplace Actum Electronics
Circuit & System Protection
Controlling electrostatic discharge in the workplace is crucial to protect sensitive electronic equipment from damage. Implementing an ESD control program involves various measures and tests.
Read more...Film and mica capacitors Actum Electronics
Passive Components
By utilising various polymer dielectrics plastics, Exxelia film and mica capacitors meet most technical requirements and serve all functions from standard filtering to specialised applications.
Read more...LED driver for industrial power supply indication Altron Arrow
Editor's Choice Circuit & System Protection
A simple and small solution for driving an LED to provide visual feedback in the presence/absence of a system’s power using a chip not originally designed for this purpose.
Read more...Clearing the Static: Cleaning in an ESD-protected area Actum Electronics
Circuit & System Protection
Cleaning in a protected electrostatic discharge area is a critical task to maintain the integrity of sensitive electronic components and prevent damage caused by static electricity.
Read more...ESD vinyl flooring Actum Electronics
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
ESD vinyl needs to be earthed by laying a conductive carbon or copper-based adhesive to glue down the sheeting.
Read more...ESD chair Actum Electronics
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
An ESD chair forms an integral part of grounding within the ESD protected area to prevent damage to sensitive components.
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