Basic and Cost Effective Static Control Tips

What does it mean to control the static in your working environment? When working with electronic equipment static build up on the device or on the body of the person working with it can cause the transfer of charge to take place between the two objects. This can cause immediate and complete failure of the device or cause damage that will only manifest itself later on in the process.

This type of damage, called electrostatic discharge or ESD, is not only avoidable but also very costly when it does happen. Luckily, creating a basic ESD protected work area is relatively simple and can be quite cost effective.

What are some basic rules for avoiding electrostatic discharge?

It is important to take note of some basic rules when approaching static control. These include:

1. Avoid working with sensitive electronics equipment around insulators. Insulators will block the dissipation of static and allow it to build up in the device, which could result in a dangerous electrostatic discharge.
2. Use conductive materials specially designed for dissipating static build up.
3. Ensure that all safety equipment is grounded by connecting it to conductive material, the ground or if they were so designed, into an electrical outlet.

ESD Equipment

So, what kind of equipment is needed as a basic requirement to help control static and avoid electrostatic discharge? Essentially, electronic experts and hobbyists alike require equipment that will:

1. Assist with dissipating static discharge from the surface of electronics devices.
2. Ensure that the dissipation does not occur too quickly, and thus damage the equipment in the process.

With this in mind below is a list of some of the simple, cost effective electrostatic discharge protection equipment, that will help protect you and your equipment in the workshop.

Two Layer Conductive Rubber Mat

Perhaps one of the most common types of static control equipment is the conductive rubber mat. The purpose of the conductive rubber mat is to create a work surface that will slowly dissipate the static build up, ensuring that it never discharges too quickly and damages the device. When setting up the mat it is very important to ensure that it is properly grounded.

A Conductive Wrist Strap

A conductive wrist strap is another common piece of equipment used in conjunction with the mat, which is intended to dissipate the static build up in your body, to ensure that it doesn’t transfer to the devices that you are working with. Most basic conductive wrist straps are simple and use a banana plug or crocodile clip for grounding.

Conductive Lab Coat

A conductive lab coat is a long sleeve coat intended to dissipate the static build up in your body, to ensure that it doesn’t transfer to the devices that you are working with.