ESAB Powercut 1600 Service Manual page 165

SECTION 9
10.2 Electrostatic Discharge
What is ESD?
A sudden transfer or discharge of static electricity from one object to another. ESD stands forElec-
trostatic Discharge.
How does ESD damage occur?
ESD can cause damage to sensitive electrical components, but is not dangerous to people.ESD
damage occurs when an ungrounded person or object with a static charge comes intocontact with
a component or assembly that is grounded. A rapid discharge can occur,causing damage. This
damage can take the form of immediate failure, but it is more likelythat system performance will be
affected and the component will fail prematurely.
How do we prevent ESD damage?
ESD damage can be prevented by awareness. If static electricity is prevented from buildingup on
you or on anything at your work station, then there cannot be any static discharges.Nonconductive
materials (e.g. fabrics), or insulators (e.g. plastics) generate and hold staticcharge, so you should
not bring unnecessary nonconductive items into the work area. It is obviously difficult to avoid all
such items, so various means are used to drain off anystatic discharge from persons to prevent
the risk of ESD damage. This is done by simpledevices: wrist straps, connected to ground, and
conductive shoes.
Work surfaces, carts and containers must be conductive and grounded, use only antistaticpackag-
ing materials. Overall, handling of ESD–sensitive devices should be minimized to prevent damage.
WARNING!
STATIC ELECTRICITY
boards and electronic components.
• Observe precautions for handling electrostatic
sensitive devices.
• Use proper static-proof bags and boxes.
165
gENERAl INfORMATION
can damage circuit
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