Within industry, ESD is discreet and invisible and causes problems of different nature. Many electrical components, including computer chips, electronic assemblies and circuit boards, can be damaged beyond repair by electrical discharges. Manufacturers of electronic components and assemblers of electronic systems must control static discharges in their processes through the use of an effective ESD program. If they fail to take the necessary measures to control static electricity many of the components or systems they produce will fail to work or will suffer a reduced operating life.
Industrial Branches Susceptible to Electrostatic Electricity:
-
Chemical and Pyrotechnic Industry (with motor fuel, gunpowder and other explosive
products).
-
Plastic and Petroleum Industry (where static electricity causes production
disturbances).
-
Information, Communication, Data Industries (Operational disturbance at terminals,
registers, and printers).
-
Photo and Film Sectors (where attraction of dust particles causes disturbance of film
processing and film viewers).
-
Automotive Industry (where static electricity constitutes fire hazards in coating
plants).
-
Printing Works and Cardboard Industry (problem with feeding of paper and dust
attraction).
-
Audio – Video Sector (where static factors can cause disturbance in listening).
-
Electronic Industry (destruction of sensitive electronic components).
Examples of Typical Voltage Levels
|
Means of Generation
|
10-25% RH
|
65-90% RH
|
|
Walking across carpet
|
35,000 V
|
1,500 V
|
|
Walking across vinyl tile
|
12,000 V
|
250 V
|
|
Worker at bench
|
6,000 V
|
100 V
|
|
Poly bag picked up from bench
|
20,000 V
|
1,200 V
|
|
An electronic device sliding in a plastic container
|
12,000 V
|
3,000 V
|
|
Raise from chair with urethane foam
|
18,000 V
|
1,500 V
|