An electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the transfer of electrostatic charge between two objects of unequal electrical potential. The resulting discharge may be so small that the human body can’t feel it, nevertheless it can cause serious damage to electronic components.
Examples of ESD include the shock we experience when we walk across a carpet and touch a metal doorknob, or the static we feel from jerseys. For this reason, it is important to keep static build-up in the workplace under control in order to prevent ESD occurrences; this is known as static control.
Can ESD cause damage?
Yes. Many ESD events go unnoticed but it takes only a small spark to damage sensitive electronic components; some devices may be damaged by discharges as small as 30 V. In hazardous environments, ESD can cause fires and explosions if the air contains combustible gases or particles.
We classify two types of ESD damage: total device failure and latent damage, which disables the device slightly and affects its long-term performance. Furthermore, the costs involved with static damage not only include the immediate cost of the damaged component, but the contributing cost of diagnostics, repair and labour that is needed to replace or fix the component.
Where can ESD occur?
ESD can occur anywhere and at any time. As objects come into contact with one another, an exchange of electrons takes place. This exchange creates unequal electrostatic charges on the surface of everyday objects, such as floors, chairs, work surfaces, packaging materials, plastics and papers, and these objects can charge workers in the workplace handling ESD-sensitive devices. Telecommunications, medical and computer electronics industries are especially vulnerable to ESD.
How do I prevent ESD?
It is important to identify an electrostatic protective area (EPA), which is a defined space where no items or activities are able to cause damage to an ESD-sensitive device. The next step is to compile a comprehensive ESD control programme that outlines measures required to prevent static build-up in the workplace. These measures include visible ESD signs indicating EPAs and ESD-sensitive objects, grounding of personnel, ESD testing and training, to name a few.
For more information contact Altico Static Control Solutions on +27 11 608 3001 or email sales@actum.co.za to discuss your static control requirements.
From the editor's desk: Inspiring the next generation Technews Publishing
News
Welcome to the August issue of Dataweek. Peter Howells is still on leave, so I am back for this issue. I hope you enjoy the content and find value in it.
August is Women’s Month in South Africa, ...
Read more...Procurement is becoming a competitive advantage RS South Africa
News
As mining, manufacturing and industrial businesses continue to navigate rising costs, supply chain disruption and increasing pressure to improve operational performance, procurement and inventory management have become strategic business priorities rather than simply administrative functions.
Read more...Omniflex delivers ICCP systems across London Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
News
Omniflex has supplied impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems for a range of prominent buildings across London, helping to protect reinforced concrete structures from corrosion and extending their service life.
Read more...MTN celebrates 80 Western Cape digital graduates
News
Eighty unemployed young people from across the Western Cape have successfully completed MTN South Africa’s Digital Skills for Digital Jobs (DS4DJ) programme, earning accredited qualifications in Data Analytics, Systems Development and Cybersecurity.
Read more...Rooibos heads to space
News
A South African scientific initiative linking agriculture and space research has officially launched today with the Rooibos in Space programme at Parklands College’s Innovation Centre in Cape Town.
Read more...From the editor's desk: Local can be international Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice News
Welcome to the July 2026 issue of Dataweek. As you can see from this introduction, Dataweek’s regular editor, Peter Howells, is on extended leave and I am filling the void in his editor’s column – hopefully without being too boring.
Read more...Landis+Gyr EMEA introduces new company name: EYKON
News
EYKON is the new company name of Landis+Gyr EMEA, formerly part of the Landis+Gyr Group. The company supports electricity, gas, water and thermal utilities in managing increasingly complex networks, improving operational efficiency and enabling more sustainable use of resources.
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