Electrostatic Discharge; Kodak Ag, Stuttgart I - Kodak Miniloader 2000 Service Manual

SM 3477

ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE

OVERVIEW
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 you 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,
you must take care of ESD, now. Effective ESD control requires the following things.
AWARENESS
Everyone in your organisation 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 take charge of ESD, you must take action. And that means everyone from senior
management to the evening security crew.
If you repair and maintain electronic equipment, it means always wearing grounding straps
and working at ESD-protected sites.
If you ever work around electronic equipment, it means keeping static generators like plastic
trash bags away from sensitive components.
For everyone, taking charge of ESD means making the simple ESD controls a way of life.
(See the following sections for special tips).
EFFECTIVE ESD CONTROL IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY._
EVERY DAY
Put trash in its place. And that place is away from static-sensitive equipment. Plastic
materials, like trashcan liners and plastic foam cups, generate the static electricity that
damages or destroys electronic components.
Look for the label. Static-sensitive components are marked with bright graphic labels. Look
for these labels. Follow label directions.
Spray the carpet. ESD that is generated when you walk over carpet is a major culprit in
component destruction. In some cases, especially in low-humidity environments, you may
need to periodically spray carpets with an anti-static preparation, available at local stores.
DURING MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
Wear a grounding strap when you deal with static-sensitive components. Always make certain
that the clip is attached to a properly grounded, unpainted surface.
KODAK AG, Stuttgart I
ESD
6/1997