Preventing Electrostatic Discharge

| Mar 23, 2008 | Comments 11


Static electricity can cause serious damage electronic components. Fortunately, there are some products and techniques that can help prevent electrostatic discharge. In this CompTIA A+ training module, we’ll learn about electrostatic discharge and discuss some products that can be used in your work environment to help prevent the buildup and discharge of static electricity. We’ll also compare ESD to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and show how troubleshoot and eliminate sources of EMI.



Links from this video:
Electrostatic Discharge Association


Filed Under: CompTIA A+ Videos

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  • David T from KSC, FL

    Hey,

    Great video! I work in an ESD envoriment. One thing you might want to add is to use ESD hand lotion. It will help you and the ground strap to make good contact. I work at the Kennedy Space Center as an Electronic Technician. I have an ESD electronic monitor at my bench and when I am not making good contact to ground a alarm will go off. Dry skin will cause you not to make good contact to ground and cause static discharge. Be safe, have fun learning, and thanks very much for the free training :) David

  • Carlos

    But why exactly is it that the pad is protected? What if static electricity is discharged into the pad, and then it is discharged from the pad to the circuitry on it? Should you wear a wrist strap connecting to the chassis and a wrist strap connecting to the pad?

    • http://www.ProfessorMesser.com Professor Messer

      Carlos – The pad is protected because it’s connected to a ground point, usually through a coiled grounding wire with an alligator clip on the end.

      • Lee

        mr messer…howcome my last comment didnt make it onto this comments bit? I thought i was askin some valid questions…

  • http://professormesser mattp

    another superbly well served lesson.thanks truly professor messer,this is the best way for me to learn

  • Aneeqsterman

    Thank you for providing this free!

  • mike

    do you need to have the pc on when you ground it or should it be off

    • http://www.ProfessorMesser.com Professor Messer

      Mike -

      If you’re inside of your computer and need to ground yourself, then you should have already disconnected the power. If you open the case, the power supply should be completely disconnected to the wall at all times.

  • http://www.professormesser.com/2008/03/20/the-human-component-communication/ Victor M. Garcia

    Wow I got to see exactly what I’ve been reading on my own but never saw it presented the way you have. You made key points and kept it simple for us in the early stages. Thank you

  • Abdul

    Very practical info.

  • Jeff

    During the Dust Bowl of the 1930′s they had interesting problems with static electricity caused by the flying dust: damaged crops (what was left of them anyway), shorted out automobile electrical systems, and people didn’t want to shake hands because they didn’t want to get knocked down on their rear. I first learned of this on a PBS special about the dust bowl.