Appendix Iii Warranty Information - Orion HT500 RBS User Manual

Appendix III ESD
Electrostatic discharge or ESD is more commonly referred to as static electricity. ESD is produced by friction
between two surfaces that are in intimate contact. Some materials such as synthetics have a higher capacity than
others for holding static charges. This is especially true in dry environments. In an offi ce, something as routine
as walking over carpet or getting out of a upholstered chair can create a static charge. Electronic components
can be damaged at ESD levels not sensed by humans. Most people do not sense static charges below 4000 volts
while only a few hundred volts can damage many devices. This damage is not often catastrophic but it will
degrade the performance and life span of the device. It is important to realize that ESD damage is accumulative
and repeated exposure to ESD can result in below average performance and or product failure.
Orion Electronics Limited employs state of the art ESD controls during each stage of its manufacturing process.
This includes but is not limited to the use of static dissipative work surfaces, fl oor coverings, heel straps, and
wrist grounding straps. ESD protection has also been designed into the hardware at the circuit board level.
BEWARE:
The safeguards employed by Orion do have their limitations. ESD controls and handling procedures should be
employed when handling Orion equipment which is open with circuit boards or serial ports exposed.
Some things to avoid in order to limit ESD exposure:
1. Carpeting in the areas in which equipment is opened with circuit boards or serial ports exposed.
2. Glass surfaced work areas.
3. Areas in which individuals frequently experience static electricity shocks.
Call Orion for more information on how to deal with high-risk ESD areas at 1-800-665-4648.
28 Orion Electronics Limited 075-2000-30 rev 1.5