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Electrostatic Discharge
ESD--electrostatic discharge--is a primary source of:
• product downtime,
• lost productivity,
• costly repairs.
While we cannot even feel a static charge of less
than 3,500 volts, as few as 30 volts can damage or
destroy essential components in the electronic
equipment upon which we rely.
As technology continues to advance, these advanced
components will be even more vulnerable to ESD
destruction.
The conclusion is clear. To take charge of
productivity and profitability, we must reduce ESD.
Effective ESD control requires the following things.
Awareness
Everyone in your organization needs to be aware of
ESD, because partial ESD control is no ESD control
at all. Everyone needs to remember that--
• ESD is a primary source of frustrating equipment
failures and intermittent malfunctions.
• ESD affects productivity and profitability.
• ESD can be controlled.
Action
To eliminate ESD, you must take action. And that
means everyone --from senior management to the
evening security crew.
• When repairing or maintaining electronic
equipment, work at ESD-protected sites and always
wear grounding straps.
• Keep static generators like plastic trash bags away
from sensitive electronic components.
• See the following paragraphs for special tips on
how to control ESD.
1-2
Every Day
[1]
Do not store trash near static-sensitive
equipment.
[2]
Do not place plastic materials near electronic
components. Trash can liners and plastic
foam cups generate static electricity that
damages or destroys electronic components.
[3]
Look for the label. Static-sensitive
components are marked with bright graphic
labels. Follow label directions.
[4]
Spray the carpet. Walking over a carpet is a
major cause of ESD. In low-humidity
environments, periodically spray carpets with
an anti-static preparation, available at local
stores.
During Maintenance and Repair
[5]
Wear a grounding strap when handling
static-sensitive components. Always make
certain that the clip is attached to a correctly
grounded, unpainted surface.
[6]
Use a portable grounding mat if you cannot
repair components at an ESD-protected
workstation. (Kodak's Customer Equipment
Services Division can assist you in setting up
ESD-protected workstations.)
[7]
Use protective packaging when transporting
components from one area to another.
Transparent antistatic bags, available from a
variety of manufacturers, shield components
from damage.
246616
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